State and local partners invite Dallas County residents to community-wide event June 11

Various state and local partners will be offering free wellness screenings, educational resources, and food, while supplies last, at a community-wide event on Wednesday, June 11, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Selma University. All Dallas County residents are invited to attend and learn more about applying for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits; nutrition and physical activity; Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); mental health and community connections; and much more!

Selma University expressed excitement and gratitude about offering its campus and facilities for the event held in collaboration with the Bites of Hope program of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, the Heart of Alabama Food Bank (HAFB), and other state and local partners. According to the university spokesperson, Dr. Stanford Angion, "Being a part of this event provides us an opportunity to 'practice what we preach,' as our mission is to prepare men and women to become servant leaders who help others and inspire a spirit of servant leadership in the communities where they live and work."

The HAFB will provide an on-site food pantry while supplies last. No documentation will be needed to receive food. HAFB, formerly the Montgomery Area Food Bank, was established in 1986. In 1989, the organization became a certified affiliate of Feeding America and works with its state association, Feeding Alabama. HAFB's mission is to source, acquire, and distribute nutritious food to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity throughout the region so that families, seniors, and children can thrive. HAFB provides food to the service area by working with over 200 partner agencies that serve people through various programs.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs will have several veteran service officers available, actively supporting veterans and their loved ones at no cost. Veterans will be able to meet with their local county officers and apply for VA benefits, file for compensation and pension claims, access healthcare services, and discuss additional veterans-related programs for free.

The Cahaba Center for Mental Health will provide important information and resources on mental wellness. Representatives from the center will be available to answer questions, share educational materials, and discuss the wide range of services offered, including counseling, day programs, and crisis intervention and support groups.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health supports efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and help individuals and families understand how to access care through 988 community mental health centers, Crisis Centers, and partners across the state. Visitors to its booth will learn about recognizing signs of mental health challenges and how to seek help for themselves or loved ones in a supportive, confidential setting.

The Alabama Office of Minority Affairs intends to engage with all communities within the state of Alabama through its Bites of Hope Program, which brings needed resources to the communities while educating them on how to obtain these resources consistently.

The UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama, the inaugural winner of the UAB Grand Challenge, is leading a transformational movement to decrease the incidence of chronic disease in Alabama and eliminate barriers to making good health simple. The on-site wellness clinic will provide health screenings for blood pressure, total cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index.

Both the Alabama Department of Public Health's Nutrition and Physical Activity Division and the Office of Health Equity and Minority Health are pleased to collaborate with partners to provide this unique community event in Selma.