Northeast Delta Human Services Authority is hosting three health and wellness events in Franklin Parish this month (June) as part of the agency’s expansion of its integrated health care approach – and more that the agency will be doing in the parish in coming months. Both events will be in Winnsboro, and both are a part of a $500,000 health care investment in the parish.
“An agency team joined me recently when we met with Winnsboro Mayor John “Sonny” Dumas in his city hall office. We already have an agency clinic in Winnsboro, and we promised we would be doing more in Winnsboro and surrounding Franklin Parish towns,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, Northeast Delta executive director. “We are committed, and will do exactly what we said. The citizens of Franklin Parish and surrounding towns deserve access to quality mental health, addiction, prevention and developmental disability services.”
Northeast Delta was awarded the five-year grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a part of the federal government. The grant provides $100,000 each year. The Louisiana Partnership for Success grant will help Northeast Delta address underage drinking in Franklin Parish through coalition building, community engagement and action planning.
The first events are NARCAN training and distributions on June 28 and 29. Friday’s training and distribution is geared toward first responders and emergency personnel throughout Franklin Parish. Saturday’s event is open to the community. Northeast Delta Health and Wellness Coordinator DeeDee Toney will lead the first event June 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the second event, June 29, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. inside the Jack Hammons Community Center, 810 Adams Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295. The primary goal of these NARCAN training and distributions is to reduce opioid-involved deaths in Northeast Louisiana through training, education and outreach.
The second event is a community-wide health fair featuring agencies, partners and other health-focused organizations from across the region. The Northeast Delta Prevention and Wellness Health Fair is June 29 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Jack Hammons Community Center. More than seven agencies and organizations are scheduled to participate, including people representing various Northeast Delta services. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Shoulders of Strength and Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana are just a few agency partners scheduled to attend. The event will include inflatables, face painting for the kids and educational opportunities for adults. DJ Twinz will provide live music. Healthy snacks and drinks will be available.
This health and wellness weekend is part of the agency’s integrated care model, a coordinated approach inclusive of preventive efforts focused on health and wellness along with addictive disorder treatment, behavioral and mental health and developmental and intellectual disability services. “Our integrated care network is vital to supporting individuals who receive our services,” said Wellness and Prevention Services Director Dr. Avius Carroll. “Hosting the NARCAN training and hosting the prevention and wellness fair is our way of expanding upon our delivery model while educating the community through our prevention and wellness outreach.”
“Prevention and wellness are essential for people living with mental illness, addiction and physical and intellectual disabilities,” added Dr. Sizer. “We now need the willing. We need community leaders and those needing our assistance to take full advantage of these lifesaving services.”
For more information about the Northeast Delta’s prevention and wellness health fair, contact health fair coordinator Chanda Hunter at 318-362-4623. To find out more about our NARCAN training and distributions contact Health and Wellness Coordinator DeeDee Toney at 318-362-5338. Stay up-to-date with all of our events by liking our Facebook page.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority
Northeast Delta HSA manages the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta accomplishes this by utilizing a nationally-recognized and integrative approach that identifies and addresses behavioral and primary health care needs.
Our agency operates through collaboration with regional partners in business, prevention, education, and care in 12 parishes (Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland, and Union). Northeast Delta is devoted to delivering programs and services that encourage citizens of northeast Louisiana to reach their full human potential. Three tenets guide these efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services, and competent, quality care.
Northeast Delta HSA Media Contact
Will Sutton
Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Office: (318) 362-4538
Email: will.sutton@la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
