Health & Wellness Block Party to promote healthy living set for June 27 at Beacon Center in Montgomery

Five Horizons Health Services in conjunction with Metropolitan United Methodist Church and the Beacon Center will hold an afternoon of summer family fun and wellness to promote healthy living later this month.

 

The event, Health & Wellness Block Party, will be a vibrant celebration to bring together families, friends, and neighbors for an unforgettable afternoon filled with entertainment, delicious food, and exciting activities including opportunities for free health screenings.

 

The Beacon Center, located at 3091 Gaston Avenue in Montgomery, is the site of the June 27 event, which will be held from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The Beacon Center was founded on the principle of assisting our neighbors in removing barriers. Pastor Richard Williams,

Metropolitan UMC founder and executive director of The Beacon Center, said,  “We believe [in the] community to create a space for all to heal and be.”  Metropolitan UMC is at the forefront of service to allow the community to see our faith at work.

 

The block party is designed to create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and revel in the spirit of community and wellness.

 

Prevention and Outreach team member Karen Carr-Turner has organized this event for two consecutive years. She says Five Horizons wants to promote healthy communities and create opportunities for folks to get screenings such as glucose, blood pressure, and other testing such as HIV and other STD testing. There will also be a DJ, food, and games for the whole family.

 

The event is being held on National HIV Testing Day. This significant nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular testing and screening, promoting early detection and prevention.

 

This year’s theme is “Take the Test and Take the Next Step.”

 

National HIV Testing Day serves as a reminder to individuals across the country to prioritize their health and well-being by undergoing essential screenings and tests. By participating in this initiative, Five Horizons and the Beacon Center aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions regarding their overall well-being.

 

“National HIV Testing Day is a day for us to come together, as a united community, to celebrate the accomplishments in the field of HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. Current HIV testing can provide results in as little as 1 minute. We can now provide PrEP which is a medication that prevents HIV and those living with HIV who are on effective treatment can reach an undetectable status and will never have to worry about passing the virus along to their partners,” said Shey Thorn, executive director of Southern Region of Five Horizons Health Services. “This is also a day to celebrate those living with HIV and those who are doing everything in their power to prevent the spread of HIV. This day means a great deal to me because it was through regular HIV testing and health screenings that I was able to receive my HIV diagnosis 14 years ago, begin treatment swiftly, and receive the necessary services and support that I needed to live a healthy and successful life. I am thankful for my diagnosis as life has come full circle and I am now a leader for an organization that can provide the same comprehensive medical and social services that I once needed. I am thankful that our medical advancements allow us to provide rapid HIV testing, PrEP, and treatment for HIV. However, most of all, I am thankful for our staff and community partners who work tirelessly to end the epidemic for the communities we serve, right here in Montgomery.”

 

She Looks Like Me, Max Federal Credit Union, Alabama Department of Public Health, Ross Recovery,and Alabama State University’s Violence Against Wo(Men) program will be among the organizations represented at the day’s event.

 

“We want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize their health and well-being,” Carr-Turner said. “By promoting regular testing and screenings, we can collectively work toward healthier communities and improved overall quality of life.”

 

Carr-Turner said they also want to take the time to continue to put the Beacon Center on the map as a place that welcomes all.