April is National Minority Health Month 

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — North Sarasota and Newtown-area churches are joining together for the Fourth Annual Gospel Explosion event promoting community health and wellness in recognition of the April National Minority Health Month observance. The event will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Auditorium, 3201 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.

Local health care agencies including Community AIDS Network, First Step of Sarasota, Inc., Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Genesis Health Services, Links, Inc., Multicultural Health Institute and the West Coast Lupus Foundation will distribute information about minority health, and provide free HIV and STD testing along with other no-cost health screenings.

“I am thrilled we are able to offer this free community event for the fourth year running. We know education about health-related issues often happens at the pulpit and through choirs in our area churches. Local church choirs will again perform inspiring and uplifting songs of joy and hope that carry a positive message,” said Bill Carter, who works for Genesis Health Services and First Step of Sarasota as a case manager. “Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy fun activities with their children. Free refreshments will be provided.” 

This year’s National Minority Health Month theme, “Building Healthy Communities: Accelerating Health Equity throughout Florida,” reflects continuous and collective efforts to increase momentum toward becoming a state where all Floridians achieve the highest level of health possible. This observance serves as a reminder of the progress made and the commitment to improve health for minority communities. 

For more information, call 941-256-6620 or visit www.hivsarasota.org.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities.  View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA/Pages/default.aspx

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MEDIA NOTES:
Day of Event Media Contact:
 Bill Carter, 941-256-6620.
DOH-Sarasota Media Contact: Dianne Shipley,
941-861-2852; cell 941-302-1058;
DOHSarasotaNews@FLHealth.gov
Website: www.sarasotahealth.org