Community outreach is important for any business. For Marram Health Center, who hosted a Backyard BBQ on Saturday, it's especially important as they encourage health and wellness in the Gary communities.
The barbecue was a perfect way to celebrate Health Week, which focuses on raising awareness for healthy decisions and lifestyles throughout the community.
“We’re having Health Week and we wanted to have a celebration. We brought in some vendors to celebrate health and get information out. It’s also so that the community can get to know us as an organization,” said Roland H. Walker, MD, who serves as the Medical Director for Marram Health.
The Marram Health Center Backyard BBQ featured information about Marram Health Center’s programs and services, free food, dancing, and activities for the whole family.
“It’s a way to say thank you to the community. There are kids activities, free food, games, and vendors to share their resources,” said Elliott Miller, Director of Marketing and Development for Marram Health Center and Porter Starke Services.
Among the services offered by Marram Health Center are pediatrics and adult care, dental services, medical screenings and diagnostics, and family planning. The range of services makes them a wonderful location for those in need of medical treatment or regular checkups. To add to the benefits, they will not turn anyone away due to their ability to pay.
Members of the community flocked to the free event, enjoying the vendors with freebies, the food, and of course, the play areas and face painting for kids.
“This is nice. It’s nice to come to and the kids are enjoying themselves,” said Roosevelt Chandler, an attendee of the event.
The barbecue was a hit with community members, providing them a great day of fun and exposure to a place that offers quality care for the community. The Gary Fire Department, Gary Police Department, and the Gary Railcats Mascot, Rusty, were among the many in attendance, creating a great atmosphere of safety and fun.
“It’s tough to get the community involved with some of the negative that’s out in the community,” said Dante Dinkins, a volunteer at the event. “It’s good to put on something positive for the children and just to bring the community closer together.”
Dinkins was also impressed with the level of commitment from Marram Health Center staff, including the CEO, whom he says was out early playing with kids while volunteers help set up the event.
During the event, the Mayor of Gary, Karen Freeman-Wilson, stopped by as well, giving a quick address to those in the area.
“This is exciting! All of these partners have come together in the community to talk about being healthy, about getting back to school, and what we need to do to stay healthy,” said Mayor Freeman-Wilson.
Her comments were met with applause and cheers while speaking, and afterwards, she was greeted by many and took the time to pose for photos with children and others in attendance.
The day was a great event for encouraging a healthy community and giving people the ability to learn more about Marram Health Center and the many benefits it can provide. Taking a proactive stance on health was one of the many focuses of the day, and greatly encouraged by everyone in attendance.
“It’s easy to do nothing, but when you’re proactive it makes you think about how you can do things to make your health better,” said Dr. Walker.
For more information on Marram Health Center, visit www.marramhealth.org.
