Minority and Multi-Cultural Health Month

Akia Davis is four months pregnant and she cannot imagine going through any pregnancy without good health care. "Some people dont work, some people dont make enough,” explained Akia Davis. That is why Louisiana has designed Minority and Multi-Cultural Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of eliminating health pitfalls among the ethnic populations. During the month of April, the David Raines Community Health Centers are offering free screenings and classes. "Once you come in to get screened youll find out whether or not you are at risk for certain types of diseases,” said Jeanetta Scott, David Raines Community Health Centers. Poverty, poor health status, poor nutrition, and inaccessibility to healthcare can all result in complications. Una L. Smith is 68 years old and has high blood pressure along with heart problems, and advises people of all ages to come in and get checked out. "If you dont come its their fault because you dont come, but if you come they will help you,” commented Una L. Smith. The type of problems Una faces arent all area health officials are concerned about. "Infant mortality rate, hypertension, diabetes are the major and cancers are rampant. We want people to come in and get screened and checked so the problem wont become an emergency room visit,” admitted Scott. Davis believes half the battle is knowing where to go to get information. "Some people dont tell them about it, they dont get out. I know I dont, I stay in the house."