ARKANSAS MINORITY HEALTH COMMISSION EDUCATES DE QUEEN RESIDENTS ON GOOD HEALTH
Sunday, Aug 9, 2009
Dr. Joe Bates addresses the community's concerns.
DE QUEEN, AR--As part of its long-standing mission to educate Arkansans about health care disparities and prevention, the Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) hosted its quarterly health fair on July 30, 2009 in De Queen, AR.
More than 900 people from the surrounding communities are estimated to have participated in the event, which was held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cultural Awareness Center in downtown De Queen. About 185 adults took advantage of opportunities to be screened and receive valuable information provided by local and state healthcare vendors that were on hand.
The atmosphere was festive with Latino music, entertainment and cash prizes provided by KDQN 1390 AM radio station. Many of the residents also enjoyed wonderful Mexican food catered by Papa Poblanos.
Later that evening, the Senate Subcommittee on Minority Health led a discussion on the topic of Unacceptable Health for Sevier County Residents. Nearly 100 residents listened as community leaders and healthcare professionals addressed their questions and concerns. Speakers included Dr. Creshelle Nash, Medical Director of AMHC, Dr. Paul Halverson and Dr. Joe Bates of the Arkansas Department of Health and Sen. Jack Crumbly, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Minority Health. AMHC sponsored the dinner for the event, through Sisters, a new local restaurant.
“We drove all the way from Little Rock to tell our story,” said Jenny Morales, who attended the meeting with her brother after hearing that Arkansas legislators would be at the meeting. Morales revealed that she has kidney disease and needs a transplant but has no health insurance or doctor who will perform the needed surgery for her. “Morales’ story is one that the AMHC is paying particular attention to and connecting with health care providers for a possible solution. However, her story is far too prevalent among immigrant communities in Arkansas. Many simply can’t afford insurance or are living in the shadows, sick, without a voice due to status,” said Idonia L. Trotter, Executive Director of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. “This is the reason why it is so important for agencies like AMHC to exist. We are going to communities throughout the state to ensure that these types of stories are heard and inform our elected officials on the need for any conversation about health care reform to include a discussion concerning minority disparities within the health care system,” Trotter said.
For more information about the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, call toll-free at 877.264.2826 or go online to www.arminorityhealth.com.
The mission of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission is to assure all minority Arkansans access to health care that is equal to the care provided to other citizens of the state and to seek ways to provide education, address, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations.
