Photo by Dolly Partin
Dolly Partin
Assistant Editor
Creating opportunities for health resources while having fun was the focus of a Wellness Block Party held at the Northeast Branch Library on June 8. The event was hosted by Our Healthy Jackson County, Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council and the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association.
Inside the library, representatives from various medical institutions, including University Health, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and UMKC (University of Missouri-Kansas City), offered attendees blood pressure, blood sugar, cancer, and other tests, as well as free COVID-19 and HPV vaccinations, and smoking cessation and mental health counseling.
Participants also got to enjoy a free lunch and other perks from Taqueria 3 Hermanos by filling out a survey and noting which tests and vaccinations they had received.
In the library parking lot, participants enjoyed musical performances by local guitarist Beau Bledsoe and cellist Ezugi Carax, as well as South American folk music by Pedro Calderon and Amado Espinoza, and had the opportunity to meet representatives from the host district and pick out free fruits and vegetables at Cambe’s Market.
Comic book character Harley Quinn created balloon animals, while Wonder Woman and Spider-Man were ready to pose with fans as giant balloons floated over the parking lot.
Missy Jones, secretary of the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association, said she was pleased with the turnout.
“Our goal for the event was about 100 people, but we had a total of 93 people register to attend. One of the doctors on site said our event was the best attended they’ve ever had,” Jones said.
In a joint statement, the planning committee summarized the event:
“As a neighborhood group, we believe community collaboration is important to address the diverse needs of our residents. By co-hosting this weekend’s wellness event with the local library, we aimed to ensure equitable health screenings and services for all. We offered language support for both English and Spanish speakers, local music and food, and sought to create an inclusive, fun space that truly reflects the spirit of our community.”
Healthy Jackson County is a community-wide effort launching in October 2023. The organization has numerous events planned in a variety of locations. For more information, visit info.umc.edu/healthy-eastside or call 816-404-CARE (2273).
