(The Dallas Examiner) – Approximately 30% of African Americans in Dallas live below the poverty line, well above the city’s average of 18%, according to the city of Dallas. Individuals living in poverty are less likely to have access to quality health care and healthy food.

To provide access to vital services, The Chris Howell Foundation will host its free Health and Wellness Fair and Food Distribution Event Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highland Hills Branch Library, located at 6200 Bonnie View Road.

The facility was chosen intentionally for the location.

“One, it is an area that needs these services. It’s still considered a food desert,” said Dominique Bryant-Howell, co-founder of the foundation. “And it’s the area I grew up in. I am taking great attention to making sure we get the services there.”

The event is open to the public and will offer access to health screenings, educational resources, food distribution, and back-to-school giveaways for youth and families in the Dallas community.

“The attendees can expect food to be given away. We’re going to be giving out about 37 pounds of food that the families can take home and cook,” Bryant-Howell said. “We’ll have health and wellness vendors, and we have one partner that actually gave us some Nike shoes for young adults.”

At the health and wellness fair, people will have access to a range of services:

• Blood pressure checks
• A1C screenings
• Stroke prevention education
• Mental health resources
• Fitness information
• Hearing and speech support
• Financial consultations
• Housing services

The event will also feature games, activities for children, giveaways, and prize opportunities.

“There will also be VA services to talk about veterans’ benefits. These are especially important for people who are uninsured or underinsured and may not be getting these checks on a regular basis” Bryant-Howell said.

A solid foundation

The mission of the foundation focuses on serving communities through programs that address disparities in health and financial literacy. Its programs are designed to provide individuals and families with tools that promote self-sufficiency, development, and informed decision-making.

Founded by Chris Howell, an author and broadcast personality, the Chris Howell Foundation was created in response to the health challenges affecting communities. In 2006, Howell’s younger brother died at age 33 due to complications from AIDS.

A decade later, Howell interviewed a woman living with HIV, which led him to take action regarding the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in the Dallas area. Since then, he and his wife, Bryant-Howell, have worked to expand outreach, education and prevention programs under the foundation.

“We believe that wellness and back-to-school support go hand in hand,” she said. “People can’t be healthier or well if they’re not eating. The food leads into other health components, like nutrition, blood pressure and understanding what your A1C tells you.”

Two of the biggest health concerns the foundation has seen in the communities are high blood pressure and diabetes, according to Bryant-Howell.

“They’re attacking our community at the highest level right now,” she said. “We want people to know what their A1C is, so they can get the care they need if it shows signs of diabetes,” she added.

The health and wellness fair is one of the foundation’s essential events and is held in multiple cities throughout the year.

“This year we’re especially excited because we’re doing it in Highland Hills for the first time,” Bryant-Howell said. “And we’re partnering with the Dallas Public Library to make it happen.”

Vendors and community involvement

The foundation is currently seeking vendors and service providers for the event, as well as an upcoming event in Arlington. Organizations and individuals who provide the following services are still needed:

• Blood pressure screenings
• A1C screenings
• Stroke prevention information
• Mental health support
• Lupus awareness
• Barbers providing haircuts for boys
• School supply donations (to support between 500-750 students)

Those interested in becoming a vendor or contributor can contact Bryant-Howell at events@chrishowellfoundation.org.

Additional event details can be found at https://www.chrishowellfoundation.org.

“The lasting impact we want families to leave with is knowing that the Chris Howell Foundation is here,” she said. “We’ve been around for nine years, and we’re just a phone call away.