Monica May's Point Of View

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.

Kara Williams, with Engaging Kare shared details about their 2nd Annual Gospel Fest Saturday September 26th 5:30pm @ Dream City in Orlando. They will offer FREE HIV testing and more - www.engagingkare.org also on FB and IG Sharon Lyles of Central Florida Diaper Bank offered information on their upcoming event Little Steps Big Futures Baby Expo Saturday September 26th @ Healthy W. Orange - Plant St. in Winter Garden. Registration begins @ 8:45am for families with children up to 3 months old or women 7-9 months pregnant. The Diaper Bank has been providing diapers and other family services for 31 years. Details available [email protected] The 26 HealthFest offers a variety of FREE screenings, seminars and fun for the entire family Saturday September 26th 10am - 3pm @ their office 801 N. Magnolia Avenue. Lenworth Kiese, VP of Communications reminds us to RSVP info@26Healthlorg/events. To find a provider for any of their health services call 321/800-2922

Traci Blue with BRIGHT COMMUNITY TRUST shared the three steps to homeownership that families can learn more about at their upcoming summit September 26th 10am - 1pm in Kissimmee. Open to anyone interested in becoming a homeowner. Register online @ www.homeownershipopportunity.org or email: [email protected] September is Hunger Action Month and Greg Higgerson of Second Harvest Food Bank shared how we can help families in need. In need of food - go to www.feedhopenow.org Search the Food Finder Guide and put your zip code in to find services near you. This month especially you can donate food, money or volunteer. September is also Pediatric Cancer Month, and Attorney Mark Nejame shared the story of how his non-profit "Runway to Hope" assists families with a child affected by cancer. Besides their big fashion extravaganza May 1, 2027, there are several volunteer opportunities throughout the year online at www.runwaytohope.org