Monica May's Point Of View

The CEO of Stand-Up Survivor shared how she found love again after living in an abusive marriage for so many years. Lisa and Mordecai Thiombiano now live in Ghana and shared what it's like to be the person who loves someone through the journey toward healing. To reach Lisa [email protected] - The National Domestic Hotline 800-799-7233 District 5 Commissioner Rose reminded us that the Midterm Election is November 3rd. Early Voting begins October 19 - November 1st and if you have a Vote-By-Mail ballot, please make sure to mail it in. Join their Souls to the Polls caravan from Walmart on John Young & Columbia on Sunday, Oct. 25th 12:30pm Sandra Fatmi-Hall, CEO of United Foundation of Central Florida, is the example of how changing the narrative of youth and a community from at-risk to at-promise catapults their outcome. She shared three objectives to do that during her TedX Orlando speech - 1. Change the language 2. Show up consistently 3. Open one door www.unitedfoundation.org

Carlos Durden, Orange County Emergency Management shared storm preparedness tips that included our safety kit items; batteries, a weather alert radio, and non-perishable food items. Remember if there's water on the highway, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" Persons with special needs (PSN) can get assistance by calling 311 Meredith May Jolivert, is the Global Chief Legal Officer for POLITICO and represents her company during the current media disruption at the White House. While she couldn't talk much about that (now), she did share great tips on how she got to her current position. Heart Health & More in our community. Melisa Wilson, NP Advent Health, shared the importance of knowing genetic background, your BP, weight, and be ready to share key health info. Connor Chaumley, a 22-year-old African American male who's undergone 10 open heart surgeries since he was born and Kia Blair Advent Health community affairs, shared her fundraiser to raise money for the American Heart Association Oct. 14th @ Meade Garden. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Marcus Brown, provides mentoring for boys 7-17 through iHOPE Mentoring every Tuesday & Thursday 6-8 pm @ Northwest Community Center 3955 W.D. Judge Drive in Orlando. This Thanksgiving & Christmas they are providing food baskets, gift cards and toys for 1,000 families. www.ihopementoring.com Cassandra Allen from Black Health Commission shared details about their virtual campaign to support efforts like Blk Joy Fest, Village Talks and Anatomy of an Artist exhibit. Details on the Next Chapter fundraiser www.blackhealthcommission.com State Senator Lavon Bracy-Davis talked about the importance of the upcoming Mid Term Election November 3rd . The deadline to register is Monday Oct. 5th and early voting is Oct. 19 - Nov. 1st. For details in our tri-county area visit https://voteorangefl.gov/ ; https://voteseminole.gov/; https://www.voteosceola.gov/en-us/

Dr.'s Lee Green and Dr. Kevin Sneed from the Moffitt Cancer Center developed the Black Men's Health Study (sponsored by Genentech) to address the health challenges disproportionately affecting African American men. Use this link in your browser, answer the entire survey to receive $25 https://lab.moffitt.org/green/current-research/black-mens-health-study/ Junius Bradley is receiving cancer treatment and was unable to come on POV. However, black men in our audience raised several questions about prostate cancer. Our moderators were able to answer with common knowledge. One general resource shared for more info and PSA testing is https://floridacenterforchange.org/ Attorney's Greg Francis and Yohance Pettis shared information about the national cases both have worked on. Attorney Greg Francis served as lead counsel to secure a $1.25 billion settlement for Black farmers in the historic class-action civil rights lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Attorney Pettis brings his civil rights experience as one of the few African American attorneys working in the Department of Justice. They mentioned the spring internship in the State Attorney's office. For info on that this spring, visit sao9.net

FAMU IGNITE 2+2 Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske and Dr. Roberta Carew, Executive VP of Academic Affairs & Provost shared the news of the new FAMU IGNITE 2+2 transfer program. Area high school students can now complete their Associates Degree and transfer to Florida A&M University. Learn more @ www.valenciacollege.edu CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE CHANGES Chiriga Ofori, RN and healthcare advocate shared details about the children's healthcare transition about to happen with Sunshine Health to Molina Healthcare. The continuity of care period will carry you thru May 2027, but families are encouraged to make the change before October 1st. Call 800-262-0750; Agape's Way 321/888-2366 or Medicaid 877-711-3662. MENOPAUSE QUESTIONS Dr. LaShonda Bailey, Executive Director of Beating Heart Health for Women is a healthcare educator who focuses on menopause and women's health. She instructs women to know their progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and thyroid numbers. For information on her upcoming event Oct. 3rd @ Apopka Community Center 11am - 3pm www.bhhforwomen.org or Eventbrite.