HEALTH
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New Direction Health Care Solution Continues Vaccination Campaign New Direction Health Care Solution of Knoxville, TN continues their vaccination campaign with the Moderna and Pfizer booster. On Saturday, October 9, 2021 they were at New Zion AME Zion Church in Newport, TN, and on Sunday, October 10th they were at the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, TN. Founder, Cynthia Finch said, “they will be in Jefferson City and Morristown, TN in the near future, please get vaccinated or get your booster”
In 16 States, 35 Percent or More Residents Now Obese On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 16 states now have at least 35 percent of their residents who are obese, a number that has nearly doubled since 2018. The CDC highlighted notable racial and ethnic disparities around obesity. Some states and territories did not have sufficient data to break down the issue by race and ethnicity, but among those that did, 35 states and Washington, D.C., had an obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent among Black residents, 22 states had reached that level for their Hispanic residents, and seven states had that prevalence among White residents. The CDC 2020 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps now show that Delaware, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas have joined Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia with high rates of obesity. No states had an obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent among Asian residents. However, some studies have suggested that health risks associated with obesity may occur at a lower body mass index for people who are Asian. This remains a huge health concern in the United States because obesity brings increased risks for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and even poorer mental health, the researchers said in a CDC news release. For the nation as a whole, solutions to the obesity epidemic include a “sustained, comprehensive effort from all parts of society,” according to the CDC. This includes addressing poverty, a lack of health care access, and other equity issues that can be contributors to health disparities. On an individual level, people should also talk regularly to their health care provider about their body mass index, family history, lifestyle, and health risks, the CDC team advises. Copyright © BlackDoctor.org All rights reserved. Used by permission. |
Gwen McKenzie Talks Community Healing Fund Imagine if you will, you are an African American, boots on the ground, nonprofit leader. You have been serving vulnerable populations for decades. You have been applying over and over for a portion of the millions of funds that are given out in the city or county in which your work is done. Each time, it’s the same answer, NO. Each time you receive that “thank you for applying “rejection letter. For many nonprofits founded or headed by African Americans in Knoxville, this has been the scenario that has played out over and over for decades. Now, with new administrations in place in both the city and county and community groups; a breath of fresh air is blowing and the word yes, is flying on the winds of change. In late August, a meeting was held at the Change Center. Invited to that meeting were African American nonprofit organization heads. The all-call went all thru the land. Come and learn about the Community Healing Fund was what the invitation promised. Upon arrival and after being served snacks and drinks, the plan was presented. A collaboration between the United Way, the city and county governments of Knoxville, and several organizations had produced a pot of money to be distributed thru a grant process to help Black nonprofits. Each organization could apply for up to 75,000 dollars. Those organizations that were not a 501C3 were encouraged to apply using a fiscal sponsor. Both Mayor Indya Kincannon, Vice Mayor Gwen McKenzie and school board member and also a member of the selection committee, were among those in attendance to discuss the importance of helping the nonprofits not only receive the grant but also receive help to build the capacity of their organizations. The new President and CEO of the Knoxville United Way, Matthew Ryerson, spoke of the determination of the agency to make a change in how funds were distributed and the goal of helping small nonprofits grow their organizations by offering tools and resources along with the grant money. Those in attendance were given application packets and were encouraged to apply by Sept 7th. Funds will be distributed in October. |
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