Saturday is the day for the latest quarterly Wellness Village, put on by the Power of People Leadership Institute (POPLI) under the leadership of Brother Shane Price and Dr Verna Cornelia Price.
The Wellness Village will be at POPLI’s headquarters at 600 18th Avenue North in Minneapolis from 10 am to 3 pm. on Saturday, July 29. The event, which is open to anyone aged 18 and older, will offer all attendees a free lunch in addition to free health care services and screenings. That includes blood pressure and AIC testing and dental fluoride application and cleanings. No reservations are required to attend and take advantage of the offerings.
Local residents attending the Wellness Village will also be able to get their COVID-19 vaccine or booster. Anyone who gets the vaccine at the event will receive a $50 stipend.
“We’ve been seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases among older folks and people in the 18 to 30 age group. We want to make sure the community is taking precautions,” said Tierre Caldwell, employment navigator for POPLI. “This thing is not over yet.”
The vaccines will be administered by nurses who reflect the community. A physician will also be on site at the Wellness Village with information about COVID-19 and the vaccines.
“We’re all about making this accessible here in the community,” said Andrea Smith, POPLI’s health and wellness specialist. “Everyone here, including myself, have been vaccinated. The doctor and nurses here can break down why the vaccine is important and they will be happy to answer any questions that people may have.”
At previous Wellness Villages put on for the community, Dr. Verna Cornelia Price has been present to encourage people who had overcome their hesitancy and arrived at the emotional decision to get their COVID-19 vaccine at last.
“I have held the hands of grown men who were crying as they got the vaccine. Some come in hesitant but others come in ready to go,” she said. “We are glad to do COVID awareness. They can come in with their questions and they don’t have to get the vaccine but well let them know, it is available to you today.”
Attendees with high blood pressure will also be gifted with a blood pressure cuff that they can take home. Over-the-counter medications and pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, will also be available for them for free.
To best serve the community, POPLI is partnering with Minneapolis Public Housing and Council, the Minnesota Health Dept and University of Minnesota’s Mobile Health Initiative.
Power of People Institute’s Wellness Village
Saturday, July 29 2023
10 a.m — 3 pm
600 18th Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411