Health equity conference focused on physical, mental and spiritual health
On Saturday, August 13, booths filled the halls of Lexington Senior High School for the city of Lexington’s Health Equity Conference. Promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health, organizations, from as far as Mecklenburg County, were in attendance to showcase the resources available for the people of Davidson County. The event was hosted by the City of Lexington.
Tables with information pamphlets, bags, pens, candy and friendly faces were present at LSHS for most of the morning and afternoon. Some provided on-site services such as eye exams, physicals, vaccinations and voter registration. Others provided information to reach additional sources such as counseling and treatment. There was even a medical program from University North Carolina-Greensboro sharing their expertise with attendees.
Volunteers for the event, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated served as greeters at the entrance. They helped serve on the planning board in order to help further support the community they love. Lexington’s Mayor Jason Hayes and DEI Director Dr. Patricia Smyre expressed appreciation for dozens of volunteers and community groups.
* Writer’s note - Anyone who came to this Health Equity Conference left with an overwhelming feeling of support that is present in the community. Any of the organizations above are willing and happy to help anyone in Davidson County who is in need. As a resident of Davidson County, know that the community has your back, and is happy to help whenever it is needed. You are not alone in your journey, and Davidson County is working to make sure that healthcare is equitable in our area.
There were many organizations represented at this event, and a brief description of each can be found below:
Smart Start- educates parents and families, provides quality care, educates on developmental milestones, provides books to be given out to children at annual check-ups
Davidson County Public Library - now providing a coloring club, offers free wifi and reliable information to the community
Senior Services of Davidson County- provides a lunch program for those in need
Southeastern Health Care- provides assistance for the elderly and disabled, educating on COVID-19 and distributes home tests
Thomasville Treatment Associations- helps to treat opioid use disorder
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health- educates on stroke warning signs and prevention
Piedmont Triad Area Agency on Aging - supports the elderly through helping with nursing home assistance, mental health, and provides other resources
Family Services of Davidson County-provides clinical, crisis and intervention counseling and services to decrease juvenile delinquency
SWIRL (Spiritual Women-Inspired Redeemed and Moved) - “mind body and soul women’s ministry”, serves everyone with a food pantry, help for the homeless
Greater Vision Outreach Ministry - run by Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina; foster care and adoption for local and international kids, support for teen moms, family care for single mothers and children
Second Harvest Food Bank- serves 18 counties in NC, including Davidson by providing food for those in need
RHA Health Services- assists those with disabilities and mental health concerns
Davidson Medical Ministries- Multiple programs in Lexington and Thomasville, working on adding a mobile unit by next year for rural locations, operates a free and charitable clinic and primary care service for both uninsured and insured, working on DC Connect to connect people with different organizations around the county
Forsyth County Department of Public Health- educates through a diabetes prevention program
City of Lexington- job search process and information
Davidson County Community Action- education about housing for those under the poverty line
Camino Clinic- researching situation and health of the Latinx community in Mecklenburg County and expanding into more rural areas since the last time research done on the Latinx population was in 2003
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NW Piedmont, NC- just starting in Davidson County for family members and caregivers of those with mental illness to educate them
WellCare- Medicaid Managed Care Plan in NC- shares information for community partners and members
Latino Association of Davidson County- working to connect, organize, educate, and advocate on behalf of the Latino community of Davidson County, working to promote Hispanic Heritage month in the area
The Salvation Army- community meal and social services, accepts clothing donations
Boys and Girls Club- after school care program
Home Solutions of Davidson County- HUD certified housing counseling agency, home ownership consultation, free home repairs, down payment assistance program, scam and fraud protection, fair housing, budget and credit consultation
Davidson County Health Department- community resources in relation to COVID-19 and more
VITA- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, changing headquarters after 19 years
Queen City Harm Reduction (QCHR)- drugs and fentanyl safe use supplies, education,and treatment services
Triad Clinical Trials- conducts trials to help explore medical possibilities and find treatments/new technologies
Positive Wellness Alliance- non-profit help with HIV, only non-profit for nine counties, medical case management housing opportunities for people with AIDs; food pantry in Winston with Door Dash Project
Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina- foster care and adoption for local and international kids, support for teen moms, family care for single mothers and children
Digestive Health Specialists- educating about and providing colonoscopies
Hospice of Davidson County- provides end of life care
