Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 4 November 1999 — Page 8

The Muncie Times, November 4, 1999, page 8

FOR

YOUR

HEALTH

Coalition seeks to improve health in county

By Judy Mays The Delaware County Minority Health Coalition (DCMHC), Indiana Family Health Council and Open Door/BMH Health Center have joined hands to improve health care for Delaware County minority women. Home Health Demonstrations wall educate minority women on a variety of health care topics and services. "This will allow minority women a greater opportunity to take responsibility for the future of their health,” Pastor Adrian LeaVell said. LeaVell is a DCMHC board member. “Cost of services, getting appointments in a timely manner, parking, public

transportation, location, feeling uncomfortable, fear, these are a few of the reasons why there is such a disparity in healthcare for minorities,” said Dana Winston of the Indiana Family Health Council. “The rate of black babies dying to white babies in Muncie is uvo to three times greater,” said Winston, "That cannot be tolerated.” Carliss Williams, executive assistant to Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon, is pleased by the collaboration. "Local decision making leads to better assessment of needs and action, as opposed to decisions being pushed down by the state,” said Williams. Dr. Toni Estep of Open Door/Ball Memorial

M ...

' • -

':v ■

SOMETHING VERY UNIQUE K .,,_ -Ms . ... .. (

_______

Hospital Health Center said the partnership presents a perfect opportunity to make more people aware of available services. Outreach specialists Alisa Davis and Teresa Woods coordinate Home Health Demonstrations. Davis will focus on community awareness through churches and groups such as the Muncie Housing Authority. Woods is responsible for the home demonstrations. Phyillies Burks, DCMHC executive director, supervises the coordinators, whose salaries are paid by the Indiana Family Health

Council.

"Reaching minority women in the community, their homes and in beauty shops, Davis and Woods help bridge the gap in gaining

From left is Teresa Woods; Phyillies Burks, executive director of Delaware County Minority Health Coalition; and Alisa Davis.

suitable and informed

owns

- ■ c ■ ■

V . N -w,- .

.' -*> "... X

■ - ■

- ; , v -'- ■

/ i

:;v '. : "

FOR MEN & WOMEN ^

DESIGNER CLOTHING &

HATS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

.:7>

We specialize in clothing for the Full Figured

. 1 - K > t.,

Woman.

'■ttr'-. «* . ‘S-’-V

Wehave alarge selectionofhard-to-find

Crocheted Dresses

■L’*.

■■

If we donHkave what you want, we can specwl design and have it made for you !

205 S. Walnut Street > Muncie

K. - .

-T-.

(765)284-1611 Owner: Mattie Coleman

services which can result in improved health,” said Burks. "However, the goal is not only to educate and promote services but to offer an economic boost as well.” Women can earn up to $35 for hosting a small group of women in their homes for a demonstration. The topics include, women’s wellness, family

planning, reproductive health care, birth control, heart disease, strokes, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, lupus, sickle cell, high blood pressure, cholesterol, nutrition, HIV/AID, STDS, thyroid, exercise, clinical depression or a topic of choice. For more information, contact Burks at (765) 284-

6994.

The Muncie Times. News about your community. Call us at 741-0037.