The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Office of Health Disparity Elimination is working with community partners statewide to recognize April as National Minority Health Month.

Throughout April, eight community- and faith-based organizations that received Communities In Action grants from MSDH will celebrate National Minority Health Month with special activities aimed at increasing health awareness in communities of color in Mississippi. The observance was created in 2001 to focus on the health issues and the need for initiatives in African-American, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian communities.

The theme for the month is "No More Excuses: Get Moving Toward a Healthier You!" MSDH reminds Mississippians that a healthier lifestyle comes one step at a time.

Some activities planned statewide include:

• Weight Loss Challenge –Greater Fairview Church in Jackson has organized this month-long event to challenge its congregation to lose a total of 500 pounds. Weekly weigh-ins will be held throughout April, with a final weigh-in at the end of the month.
• Stepping to Life: A Walk for All – Participants will meet at St. Luther M.B. Church in Jackson for a four-mile walk on the new Metro Parkway from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on April 19. The event is organized by Marvellous Works in Jackson.
• Fight For A Healthy Life Health Fair – This health fair, organized by the Comb Foundation in Port Gibson, targets those who do not receive regular medical check-ups. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 26 at the Claiborne County Family Health Center. Educational materials on obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes will be available.
• Diabetes Walk and Seminar – Organized by SEETS, Inc., a one-mile walk will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on April 12 in the Office Depot parking lot on Robinson Road Extension in Jackson. Additionally, a seminar to discuss diabetes prevention and free health screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on April 26 at Greater Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Faith Church.
• Celebrating Health and Fitness in Minority Communities Health Fair – This health fair, held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on April 13 at Anderson Church in Jackson, will mark the end of a 12-week weight loss program sponsored by the church. The winner will be recognized, and screenings will be conducted, along with mini-seminars on exercise and nutrition.
• The Power To End Stroke Program – This program is organized by Gulf Coast Educators in Pass Christian, and will be held at several locations across the Gulf Coast throughout the month.
• Healthy Living Walk and Seminar – From 7 a.m. to noon on April 5, a three- to five-mile walk will be held at the Wood Hinton Park in Lumberton, followed by a seminar at the Ben Barrett Community Center focusing on nutrition and the danger of tobacco use. The event is sponsored by the Lamar Educational Enhancement Group in Lumberton.

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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot, Carol Jones or Elizabeth Grey, (601) 576-7667.