House District 94 update for the week of Jan. 20
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This past Monday, monumental civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have celebrated his 95th birthday. I got the chance to attend the Indiana Christian Leadership Conference (ICLC) MLK Birthday Celebration Service on Monday celebrating his life and legacy. Dr. King dedicated his life to promoting justice and equality through peaceful protest. I hope we can honor that legacy by trying to strengthen our community every chance we get.
I also had the opportunity be the keynote speaker during the 43th Annual Dr. MLK Tribute event for Indianapolis Public Schools. It is always a treat to get to address our communities young people about such an inspiring figure in American History.
Last week marked the beginning of the 2024 legislative session.
I proudly spoke at three press conferences this week about the various issues I am supporting at the Statehouse this session. I am glad to be working with my fellow representatives, senators and members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus to offer a clear and helpful solutions to critical issues facing Hoosiers.
I also had the opportunity to sit down with “Indiana Lawmakers” host, Jon Schwantes, and Indiana Public Broadcasting Station to talk about my expectations and goals for this upcoming session. My legislative priorities this session include promoting fair housing rights – particularly for vulnerable populations – expanding health insurance for state employees to cover breast cancer screenings, and helping police identify when they are interacting with someone with autism.
Blood Cancer in the Black Community education dinner
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, February 22 the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be holding a free dinner to educate people in Indianapolis about blood cancer in the black community. The event will take place from 6 to 8 pm at Maggiano’s Little Italy located at 3550 E 86th St.
This program is intended to spread awareness about what types of blood cancers members of the black community are most likely to be diagnosed with and how to reduce risk factors. Additionally, the presenters will provide information what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with blood cancer, how to find quality care and methods to communicate effectively throughout the process.
Registration for this event will be opening soon. If you have questions or would like early access, please contact Lauren Fryzel at lauren.fryzel@lls.org or 248-581-3891. For more information about blood cancer now, you can visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website at LLS.org.
Shalom Health Care Center
Shalom Health Care Center is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through the power of collaboration. Reaching individuals where they are is critical to connecting people to quality health care. Shalom is happy to offer presentations conducted by their experts at your agency or organization. Whether it's educating staff on preventive healthcare measures or providing valuable information directly to your clients, reach out to Shalom today to set up a time for them to reach your community. To easily connect with our health care services, I have included this referral form down below.
Drive & Dish
If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, the Pacer’s Foundation and the Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy supports a free program called Drive & Dish funded by Coach Rick Carlisle in pursuit of food equity. This program provides a family sized box with free groceries full of fresh fruits and vegetables to bring nourishing food to families in need. See the flyer below for more details about eligibility and pick up locations!
Energy Assistance Program
While January can be a joyful month of celebrating, it can also bring struggles to keep up with higher electricity bills to keep your house warm and the lights on longer. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) offers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for those struggling to afford high energy costs and can help if you are disconnected or about to be. The EAP is a one-time annual benefit paid directly to the utility vendor for applicants who meet a certain income requirements. For more details on the program, eligibility and application visit the IHCDA website today.
Resources Available at the Marion County Public Health Department
The Marion County Public Health Department is a health and hospital corporation that serves all residents and visitors of Marion County. MCPH offers a range of mental, emotional and physical health services.
Some of the services offered at each clinic include immunizations, TB testing, blood pressure screening, general health counseling or a referral for community services. The MCPHD also offers prenatal care coordination for women who are pregnant. Children who are under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to receive services. You should also bring a copy of your shot record, a Medicaid or insurance card and your ID.
MCHPD has four clinic locations: the Northeast District clinic, the South District clinic, the Action Health Center and the Eagledale Plaza. All four clinics are open Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tues. and Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a certain clinic’s contact information, please visit
https://marionhealth.org/.
