By Anir Senyah
The New Citizens Press
LANSING, MI — Nearly 400 people attended the Greater Lansing African American Health Institute (GLAAHI) and Advent House Ministries’ 4th Annual A Health Fair for Thanksgiving, benefiting homeless families and individuals in the Greater Lansing area.
Diane Chapman from the Michigan State University Extension manned the information table full of nutrition education material while blending a healthy Orange Delight drink. Most of the attendees who had a glass had seconds like 6 year old Larry Thompson (pictured above). TNCP Photo.
The event featured exhibitors such as the American Cancer Society, Capital Area Pharmacists Association, Care Free Medical Clinic, Cooley Law School, Ingham County Health Department, MSU Health Team, National City Bank, Bearly Stressed (massage therapy), WQHH-FM (96.5), St. Stephen’s Lions Club and others.
There were complimentary pedicures and manicures, health
screenings, giveaways, and dinner served afterwards.
The Coalition of Labor Union Women Lansing Chapter helped cooked a dinner for almost 400 people. Right to left: Roberta Cannon, Veronica Johnson (President), Glenda Anderson, Marti Ann Mai Land, Marta Bobillo and Martha Adams. Ms. Adams is one of the regular volunteers on the weekends at the Advent House Ministries. TNCP Photo.
The event took place at Advent House Ministries, part of
Westminster Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of West Oakland and North Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Lansing.
Mary Clymo showed up because she was visiting with her social worker and found out about the program.
Ms. Clymo said that she used to be homeless and she just found a place to live. Domestic violence and a divorce left her in a situation of economic distress.
Joan Jackson-Johnson, Rosalee Billingslea Rush, Constance Ross, Deborah Hollis, Teresa Merritt-Ellis and Rishan Maxwell Butler belong to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The sorority volunteers yearly at a multitude of community events. TNCP Photo.
She was a resident at a local shelter with her two children. “These programs are very helpful,” she said. “As a result of testing, today I found out that my 2-year-old son, Tyler, may have a sugar problem.”
Anita Tuner is a volunteer for Chi Eta Phi, which is a nursing sorority. She was doing stroke and blood pressure screenings.
While Bruce Amburgey rolled up his sleeve to have his blood pressure checked, he said that he was pleased that there was so much information in one place. He stayed for the dinner as well.
It is the mission of the Greater Lansing African American Health Institute to mobilize the community to address the issue of health disparities among African American individuals and families.
However, GLAAHI helps everyone who is in need by offering
valuable services, including information regarding Ingham Health Plan (IHP).
IHP is a health coverage program in Ingham County that allows uninsured individuals to get basic health care.
In order to qualify, you must be an Ingham County resident and must be within the guidelines. Ask your GLAAHI enrollment specialist for details. Proof of residency and one month’s income is required at the enrollment.
There are many doctors and pharmacists in Ingham County that accept IHP. If you already have a health care provider, be sure to ask if IHP is accepted. If you do not have a health care
provider, one will be assigned to you after you enroll.
There are certain services that are not covered, including hospital stays, hearing aids, dental services, emergency room services and some other
services.
The GLAAHI enrollment specialist said that people have many questions regarding IHP and suggest that you contact them directly at (517) 492-0376 or IHP member services at (517) 887-4465.
As the health fair wound down, Rishan Maxwell Butler, president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, made sure that the ham was carved and ready to be served. She along with other members of the sorority assisted as general volunteers, screeners, cooks and food servers.
Constance Ross manned the “Ask the Lawyer” table while
Wanda Lipscomb’s husband, Keith, assisted the Coalition of Labor Union Women-Lansing Chapter (CLUW) in the kitchen.
This was just one of the many projects they participated in this year. Volunteering time to this event was crucial and they bought some of the food, cooked, cleaned, handed out desserts and cleaned up.
Rishan Butler just returned from Houston, working with Katrina and Rita victims. While there, she helped the victims cope with their devastating circumstances.
“We all have the responsibility to take care of our communities,whether near or far … there are people in need.”
