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Indianapolis Urban league, MHS partner for health screenings

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Health and fun went hand in hand Friday for the first Home Run to Health.

HIV testing, COVID-19 vaccinations, dental screenings and mental health consultations were just a few of the services offered along with a few other added perks.

Access to health is paramount, but for access is limited for many people, which is why the Indianapolis Urban League in partnership with a managed health service opened up a parking lot Friday to invite people in to get needed services.

The Indianapolis Urban League was a short bus ride away for Hiram Standfield. He comes to the Urban League often and values its services. “They are a place in the community where people can just reach out for help, and that’s very important in our city, and cities all over the country.”

Stanfield checked a few screenings off his list. “I’m traveling my way around and see where everything is at, and what I can benefit from, what I can tell other people about where they can benefit.”

Throughout the week, people are likely to see vaccination clinics, food drives and other events at the Urban League. The organization has worked with MHS (Managed Health Services) before, but the health screenings were a first-time event.

“If you don’t have your health, you cant do anything. You cant work, you cant go to school,” said Tony Mason, the Urban League president.

Health equity remains a problem in minority communities, and, until systems change, organizers said they will provide what help they can. A dentist with MHS, Dr. David Austin, said that he recognized “that sometimes there were just barriers that people have as far as getting the information they need for their health, and some of those barriers can be time, can be distance.”

People who received more than one screening Friday won free tickets to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game.

The Urban League will have a back-to-school distribution event Aug. 7.