By LE “Lilly” Brown
Texas Metro News
Ending mass incarceration, advocating for renters facing eviction, and introducing medical innovations that could be promising to underserved communities were discussed as area ministers signed a covenant with a local nonprofit to establish clinics in area churches.
Leadership of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) and the community-based nonprofit, Health Momentum, gathered at Dallas’ Doubletree Hotel Monday to sign an agreement that will provide pilot clinics in IMA-affiliated churches.
In this partnership that includes federally certified healthcare providers; Our Home Test LLC and At Your Door Labs, LLC, clinics will be constructed to federal specs to meet federal standards.
According to Lorna Lizotte, founder and managing director of Health Momentum; the lack of accessible health clinics has created disparaging inequality in Dallas County.
“In Dallas County, boys in zip code 75204 have an average household income of $105,000 per year and they live to about 90 on average.”
In the southern sector, the numbers are not that impressive, said Lizotte.
“However, towards the southern part of the county in zip code 75215, the average household income is $41,000 and the boys live to be about 63,” she continued. “The IMA church-based clinics will provide access to affordable, comprehensive, holistic care that can positively impact health outcomes for the community.”
Rev. David E. Wilson, CEO and president of the IMA and Pastor of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church said that the IMA is answering the call to help through this innovative partnership. “Given how impactful the coronavirus has been across the globe, and especially across low-income communities of color, this wellness challenge is a clear mandate that leadership must connect resources to improve health outcomes for the least well among us.”
The Reverend was joined by Dallas City Councilman Adam McGough of District 10, who pledged to provide fiscal support to IMA to further expand their reach while IMA will be responsible for “amplifying the initiative and mobilizing their vast network of religious officials and constituents who are committed to equitable, safe, and effective healthcare.”
