The health fair coordinators followed the Gospel Commission’s call to “Go” and held the event at the Blossom Acres community center instead of Highland Avenue church.
Drs. Don J. Tynes and Janice McLean, alongside volunteers from the Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church organized a health expo at the Blossom Acres public housing community center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. They offered health screenings and education to over 30 families.
“We can’t only be concerned about the health of our church and not be concerned about the health of our community,” said Highland Avenue Church Pastor Denry White.
Benton Harbor, a city with a population of 8,943, is in dire straits. According to the 2022 Census, an estimated 43.6 percent of the population lives in poverty with a household median income of $24,549.
The health fair coordinators followed the Gospel Commission’s call to “Go” and held the event at the community center instead of the church. Tynes, a local doctor specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics, invited health professionals from the Benton Harbor area, as well as from Grand Rapids. In addition, Tynes held his "Future Doctors, Future Leaders" program, which aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in health care.
Dr. Janice McLean brought services from her own organization, Uzima Lifestyle Center, and Wildwood Lifestyle Center and was aided by volunteers from the Trinity Temple Adventist Church. Highland Avenue Church members provided essential support for this initiative, including handling registration, and providing snacks and greeters.
Services provided included blood pressure checks, glucose screening tests, podiatry, BMI screening, health education materials, vegan meal demonstrations and a prayer booth.
Source: Lake Region Conference newsletter
