On Sunday, April 19th, New Beginnings Church of Chicago opened its doors at 6620 S. King Drive for a powerful afternoon dedicated to community health and empowerment. The Minority Health Month Community Wellness Celebration brought together health professionals, community organizations, and residents for a free event centered around one urgent message: Learn Your Health Risks So You Can Take Action.
A Full Afternoon of Wellness and Education
The celebration offered an impressive range of health services and resources, all free and accessible to the community. Attendees were able to receive vaccinations, blood pressure screenings, and diabetic testing — critical preventive services that can make a life-changing difference when caught early. Health professionals were also on hand to provide substance abuse resources, insurance assistance, chiropractic services, and information on how to get involved in ongoing health research.
The event was more than screenings and services — it was a call to action, equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to take ownership of their health.
“I received many engaging questions, and many attendees visited my tables to collect flyers and pamphlets. The vendors were interactive and provided valuable insights. I showcased Aetna’s new program, FIDE D-SNP: Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and attendees appreciated the visual representation. The attendees appreciated being able to envision the program. Many participated in health screenings that helped identify their health needs and saved time with providers. Overall, everyone was relaxed and engaged, and there was consistent foot traffic throughout the event,” Aetna’s rep, Yolanda Bean, provided.
Hosted by Community Champions
The celebration was hosted and sponsored by three organizations committed to uplifting Chicago communities: Peer Plus Education and Training, New Beginnings Church of Chicago, and Project H.O.O.D. Advocates of Chicago. Together, they created a welcoming and well-organized environment that made health access feel approachable for everyone who walked through the doors.
Free parking was available on site, removing one more barrier to participation. Attendees who engaged with the event’s activities were also rewarded with giveaways — a small but meaningful way to celebrate community members for investing in their own well-being.
April is Minority Health Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color. Events like this one are essential in closing those gaps, bringing trusted resources directly into the neighborhoods where they are needed most.
For the residents of Chicago’s South Side, Sunday’s celebration was a reminder that good health is not a luxury — it is a right, and the community is showed up to fight for it.
