Welcome to the February issue of The Wellness Corner - the e-newsletter for our community of advocates and enthusiasts - from Big Bend Cares and Care Point Health & Wellness Center.

This issue will announce planning on Artopia 2023; recap this year's Holiday Angels; acknowledge American Heart Month; highlight National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; recognize two Volunteers of the Month; and share info on Gem Club and Care Point tours.

Every day, Big Bend Cares and Care Point continue to provide essential assistance and quality health care to those we serve in the Tallahassee and Big Bend area (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties). Our services include free HIV and STD testing, primary health care, dental care, lab work, sexual health education, courtesy transportation services, home-delivered meals, co-pay assistance for medications, and case management services.

These services wouldn't be possible without your generous donations, support, and contributions. To you reading this newsletter- thank you for helping us provide health care and much more to those in need - we appreciate you!

Thank you for reading!

We are now accepting art donations for Artopia 2023!

If you or anyone you know is an artist, or has art you'd be willing to donate, consider contributing to our largest fundraiser of the year, Artopia! Taking place this year on Saturday, June 24th at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, our charity auction celebrates the fine arts, while raising funds for our clients' resources.

We love original work from artists in our community, but any piece you may have collected is also welcome! We'll accept up to 3 pieces per artist/donor, and original works will be juried for cash prizes! Click the button below to donate today.

Holiday Angels

Holiday Angels wrapped up successfully once more, all thanks to our caring community members!

With a record 112 Families and 351 children, there were a lot of presents going out the week before Christmas!

Getting the word out was so helpful, as partners in the community came together to sponsor nearly all the children, and raise funds for the rest.

It's always a fulfilling experience being a part of Holiday Angels, and clients have already shared the joy, tears, and thanks in abundance to our staff and sponsors. We're looking forward to helping even more next year!

Care Point Health Update:

American Heart Month

From CDC: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) is too common and dangerous. It puts people at risk for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, vision loss, peripheral artery disease, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy complications, and cognitive decline.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, and only about 1 in 4 of those individuals has their hypertension under control. Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively.

Your Care Point provider will be able to help with screening for hypertension, and to answer any questions you have about maintaining good heart health. Make your wellness appointment with the clinic today by calling 850-354-8765 or by clicking the button below.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Progress and Resilience

February is Black History Month, and February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

From CDC: Black communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet, issues such as racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care. To continue to reduce the burden of HIV and other health risks, people need adequate housing and transportation, employment, access to culturally competent health services that are free of stigma and discrimination, and more.

Together, when we work to overcome structural barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, and stop HIV stigma, we help reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities in Black communities.

Volunteer of the Month for December

Last year, over 3,730 no cost food bags were given to our clients in Tallahassee and the Big Bend facing food insecurity because of our GEM Club members.

And GEM Club members make it possible for us to provide FREE comprehensive health care to our uninsured patients, with no sliding fee scale.             

What is a GEM Club member?

It’s you and me - neighbors helping neighbors. GEM (Givers Every Month) Club members donate monthly and 100 % of their gifts go towards food and health care for our neighbors in need. Want to become a GEM Club member and help us serve others? Please click here.

Ever wonder what happens beyond the closed doors of Care Point?

Sign up for a guided tour today and witness a behind-the-scenes view of “the 27,000 square feet of awesomeness!” including the 10 patient exam rooms, lab, x-ray facility, and dental wing.

For details and to reserve a space on the next tour, please email Takila Brooks here.

We hope you enjoyed the February 2023 issue of The Wellness Corner. If you have questions or want more information about any of the topics covered, please email Serene Smallwood here or call (850) 656-2437 extension 224. Thank you.

(850) 656-2437

(850) 354-8765

Big Bend Cares, Inc. / Care Point Health & Wellness Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), federal tax-exempt organization. All donations are deemed tax-deductible.

FEIN: 59-2816580