City of Miami Gardens-Live Healthy Miami Garden’s Thamara Labrousse named recipient of the CDC’s 2022 REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award
Miami Gardens, FL – (August 3, 2022) – After a nationwide challenge search, on July 26th the CDC announced two winners for the 2022 Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award. One such recipient was Live Healthy Miami Gardens (LHMG) Program Director, Thamara Labrousse. Ms. Labrousse has been working towards decreasing systems that create health inequities and disparities among Miami Gardens’ African-American, Caribbean-American and Hispanic residents since the inception of the LHMG program in 2014. The other winner was Healthy Savannah a public-private partnership in Georgia.
Labrousse was nominated for the award by the people and community partners that work closest with her daily. Her unrelenting passion and focus on improving the community’s health needs resulted in a collaborative effort between residents, organizations and community leaders working to improve the health and wellness for everyone in Miami Gardens.
“I am grateful and feel so immensely blessed to work with a collective of over one hundred individuals and sixty-eight organizations guided by a shared vision for what it means to improve or remove the conditions that creates barriers to good health. Collective action is as good as the action that each individual in the collective manifests, so it is really amazing to be part of something where everyone is committed to doing their part,” said Ms. Labrousse. “To my colleagues at the CDC and the partners of LHMG, your leadership, commitment and brilliance to our collective work inspire me every single day,” she concluded.
To learn more about LHMG, its programs and partnerships visit: www.livehealthymiamigardens.com.
About the REACH Lark Award Challenge
The REACH program is at the forefront of CDC’s efforts to reduce health disparities. Since REACH was established in 1999, the program has demonstrated success in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity by engaging with diverse communities and implementing culturally tailored interventions. The REACH Lark Award Challenge recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations, or community coalitions associated with the REACH program. The award recipient will have meaningfully assisted with and carried out culturally tailored interventions that advance health equity, reduce health disparities, and increase community engagement to address preventable health risks such as tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and inadequate access to clinical services. The award recipient’s work will have been in population/groups disproportionately affected by chronic disease; specifically, African American/Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander persons.
Meet the City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens’ 2023 Health Champion Honorees
Miami Gardens, FL – February 22, 2023 – The City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens (LHMG) will honor six phenomenal community leaders for their exemplary service and dedication to advancing community health and well-being for those who live, work and play in the City and beyond. This year’s theme, ‘Healing from the Heart’, reflects the giving nature of these Health and Wellness Advocates. Our honorees and their respective service categories are:
- State Representative Felicia Robinson – Member, Florida House of Representatives – Health Advocacy Champion
- Dr. Iyabode ‘Yabo’ Beysolow, MD. MPH, FAAP – Immunization Subject Matter Expert at AIM/REACH – Health Advocacy Champion
- Dr. Joycelyn D. Lawrence, MD – Chief Medical Officer, Jesse Trice Community Health System – Family Health & Wellness Champion
- Linda Freeman – Executive Director, Peacemakers Family Center, Trinity Church – Health & Wellness Champion
- Dima Samra – Executive Director, Universal Medical Clinic – Family Medicine Champion
- Virginia Harvin – Retired Healthcare Administrator – Community Health & Wellness Champion
“We are so grateful for the breadth of services our honorees contribute to our community each year. During Women’s History Month, it is an honor to recognize these amazing women who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing health equity by reducing disparities that adversely affect vulnerable populations in our City” said Mayor Rodney Harris.
The in-person celebration will take place during the Women’s Health Champion Award Breakfast on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 8:30am to 10:00am at Bunche Park, located at 15600 Bunche Park Drive, West in Miami Gardens.
The event is FREE, tickets are available on Eventbrite.
To join the City at this auspicious event, register at HTTPS://LHMGCHAMPIONAWARD23.EVENTBRITE.COM or you can watch live on fb at @LiveHealthyMG.
More information is available at https://livehealthymiamigardens.com.
National Influenza Vaccination Week 2022
Breaking news:
The City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens will launch its National Influenza Vaccination Week Initiative, Dec 6th – 12th. Speakers will share statistics and vital information surrounding the current flu season. Discussion will ensue communicating reasons why residents should exercise extreme caution when encountering the public during this flu season and the importance of the flu vaccine during the Corona Virus Pandemic. Representatives from participating health partners will provide information about their facilities and free vaccination opportunities at their respective clinical locations.
This initiative is made possible through a grant awarded by the CDC, to help educate and promote healthier communities. Vaccines protect your family from the flu and complications from the flu.
Time: Presentation
11:00 Introduction – Setting the scene and welcome
Councilwoman Katrina Wilson - District __ City of Miami Gardens
11:05 CDC Grant Award and NIVW Initiative
Ms. Thamara Labrousse – Program Director - Live Healthy Miami Gardens
11:10 The importance of the flu vaccine and why flu shots matter in today’s environment
Dr. Corina Blackmore – Director of Disease Control & Health - Florida Dept of Health
11:20 The difference between the flu and the Corona Virus
Dr. MJ Collier -The Hip Hop Doctor – Health contributor on the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley
Morning Show
11:30 How and where to get your free vaccines - Provider Partners
Moshin Jaffer – UHI Clinic
Clinical Director - Jesse Thrice Community Center
Medical Director - CFCE
11:40 Q & A
Maintaining Healthy Outcomes in a Viral Trifecta during this 2022-2023 Flu Season
As families gather for the holidays, the CDC recommends the flu vaccines to help stave off the spread of flu and other viral infections. Protect your family and friends this flu season by getting vaccinated.
Miami Gardens, FL. (November 29, 2022) – As we venture into the holidays, the City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens program gears up for flu season by observing National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), December 5-9, 2022. With viral infections increasing throughout the nation, it is imperative that residents take proactive measures to maintain better health and help ward off potential infections.
Live Healthy Miami Gardens and its partners are leading the charge to help make a difference in the health of the community in anticipation of a very active flu season. As the flu season descends upon the nation, healthcare professionals and the CDC strongly urge everyone to get their flu vaccine. With the introduction of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) into the virosphere, Pediatricians are sounding alarms, urging parents to vaccinate their infants as well. The CDC says the flu vaccines are safe and proven to provide strong protection for children, older adults, and people living with chronic diseases by helping to reduce the risk of serious flu illness and flu-related hospitalization and death in some cases. Flu vaccines are updated annually to protect against the most dominant strains that are identified by researchers for the present season. Vaccinations protect individuals and those they may interact with during the holiday season.
The City of Miami Gardens will hold an educational webinar as well as activations to deploy the flu vaccine to residents during NIVW with the intent of raising residents’ commitment to receive flu vaccinations and help ward off unforeseen potential health crises.
Schedule of Events for the week include:
Vaccination sites:
Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc.
20612 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens Florida, 33056
Monday, December 5th from 10:00am - 3:00pm (BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY)
Please call 305-637-6400 to schedule an appointment
Center for Child and Family Enrichment, Inc. (CFCE)
1825 NW 167th Street, Suite 109, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056
Tuesday, December 6th from 11:00am - 6:00pm
UHI Community Care Clinic
18441 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 220, Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
Wednesday, December 7th from 10:00am - 6:00pm
Educational Information: Lunch and Learn Flu Webinar with Dr. Michelle Kirwan
Live via facebook @livehealthymg
Thursday, December 8th at 12:00pm
Informational Interview with WMBM’S Debra Toomer
Featuring Dr. Sirac Cardoza, Family Medicine Physician, Jessie Trice Community Health System, and a representative of the LHMG Communications Outreach team
Friday, December 2nd at 2:00pm
It is still vital to take BOTH the flu and the COVID vaccines for the 2022 flu season. “We saw an improvement in last year’s outcomes because residents were proactively wearing masks and taking both the flu and COVID vaccines. With RSV posing a trifecta effect, I hope to see a continued energetic mindset to help protect Miami Gardens’ residents,” said Thamara Labrousse – Program Director Live Healthy Miami Gardens.
“Please join the city in vaccinating your loved ones and keeping Miami Gardens Healthy,” she added.
For more information visit: https://livehealthymiamigardens.com.
Miami Gardens Residents Live Healthier Together as Targeted Programs Result in Lifestyle Changes
Miami Gardens’ goal of reducing preventable diseases by encouraging residents to go to the doctor resonates with residents and city employees.
Miami Gardens, FL (November 10, 2022) – October was Take Your Loved One to the Doctor Month. In preparation for the monthlong event, the City of Miami Gardens launched its annual campaign to give residents updated information on healthcare options and to get them to participate and pledge to get out and put their household in order, starting with annual healthcare and doctor visits.
It resulted in over 80 percent of the population re-engaging in the annual campaign and pledging to not just go to the doctor, but also to take family and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. The message also engaged city employees to take advantage of the programs offered by Miami Gardens and take a harder look at how they were managing their health both pre and post pandemic levels.
This is what was done and here are the outcomes:
- The city engaged agency partners, community voices, educators, and influencers to get the word out and increase
awareness and drive residential engagement.
- Residents were asked to pledge to take themselves and a loved on to the doctor for an annual check-up within the
next 90 days.
- Partner agencies include:
* CFCE – Center for Family & Child Enrichment
* Jessie Trice Community Health System
* Universal Medical Clinic
* UHI Community Care Clinic
- Partner agencies performed FREE screenings for residents and offered vaccines for Flu and Covid for those that
came in for their annual check-ups.
- Well woman care, mental health and dental health screenings were also offered at various agencies.
- A Virtual Health Summit hosted by Tamara G of Lyte-fm occurred on Tuesday, October 25th.
- Launched a new normal campaign to engage residents in maintaining health actions that can reduce infection rates to common airborne communicable viruses like COVID and the Flu.
Overall numbers reflect:
- 436 pledges
- 159 FREE health screenings
- 638 survey participants
- Over 80 percent of residents currently have health insurance, a primary care physician
- Over 50% requested appointment assistance to get Free health screenings at partnering agencies
- Almost 80% agreed to be held accountable for their pledges by requesting a follow up contact in 90 days to check their outcomes
The City of Miami Gardens healthcare outcomes for Take Your Loved One to the Doctor Month was such a success that it has launched a NEW Get Active Campaign to keep residents engaged and committed to maintaining healthier lifestyles. Miami Gardens’ initiatives are garnering recognition by other cities and serves as an example of how cities, its residents and its leaders can work towards Living Healthier TOGETHER. Recognizing then offering solutions where there is a need for healthcare options is a great opportunity for Miami Gardens to enrich their communities. Increased positive health outcomes yield healthier communities with enriched and empowered residents.
What has COVID-19 taught us about the health disparities facing communities of color?
After an exhaustive two years facing perilous health outcomes in areas with high numbers of black and brown residents, what can be done to address these problems moving forward?
(Miami Gardens – March 23, 2022) – The City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens [LHMG] – During this interactive conversation, we will discuss how the disparities facing communities of color were exacerbated during the pandemic, increasing the levels of negative outcomes in Florida and nationwide.
WHO: The City of Miami Gardens and Live Healthy Miami Gardens
WHAT: Subject Matter Expert Panelists will address the health disparities facing communities of color and what agencies and residents can do to help improve health outcomes.
Panelists include:
KeTia Star Harris – Community Health Data Specialist – Jessie Trice Community Health System. Ms. Harris is deliberate about increasing awareness and empowering communities to make informed decisions about their health in order to achieve better outcomes. Her methodology is laser focused on training patients to change their approach to self-health care thus allowing them to take an active role in managing their health with their physicians.
Dr. Shenae Samuels-Staple – Health Policy Research Specialist – Florida Health Justice Project. Dr. Samuels-Staple is a Health Justice Advocate who works to increase healthcare access for vulnerable Floridians. In her current capacity, she spearheads the Florida Health Justice Project’s COVID-19 Disparities Dashboard to bring awareness to the vulnerable Floridians most affected by COVID-19.
WHEN: Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 6:00pm
WHERE: Live on ZOOM - FB Live - @LiveHealthyMiamiGardens register at https://asktheexperts.eventbrite.com
WHY: Join our expert panelists as they share actions communities can and should take to change the narrative when addressing the following:
- What role does systemic racism and community mistrust play in poor health outcomes?
- What can cities do to address Health Equity and create an environment that supports residents in achieving full
health potential?
- What are Health Disparities and how do these conditions contribute to an individual’s ability to achieve good
health?
- How and why are people of color disproportionately impacted by health disparities?
- What resources are available to eliminate disparities and improve the health of all persons?
Media is invited to log in to participate in this active discussion and pose questions to the panelists.
Learn more about LHMG at https://livehealthymiamigardens.com
Miami Gardens to Host a Candlelight Vigil Honoring Those We have Lost to COVID-19Miami Gardens to Host a Candlelight Vigil Honoring Those We have Lost to COVID-19
Miami Gardens, FL - (December 6, 2021) – Residents, pastors, congregations, city officials and friends of Miami Gardens gear up to participate in the city’s candlelight vigil scheduled for December 12th at the Betty T. Ferguson Community Center. The community is encouraged to arrive on time.
Special guests will share their stories of loss and triumph centered around the COVID-19 pandemic. Community pastors will lead attendees in prayer commemorating those we have known personally and those we have never met. The ceremony concludes with a candle lighting ceremony and a request encouraging participants to not let their guard down in the fight against preventable infections such as the flu and the dreaded COVID-19.
On site interviews are available between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Expected appearance by:
Mayor Rodney Harris, Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson, State Representative Felicia Robinson, and Dr. Reynald Jean - Director of Epidemiology, Disease Control, Immunizations and Public Health Preparedness – Miami-Dade County Health Department
WHO: The City of Miami Gardens and Live Healthy Miami Gardens. Holy Family Episcopal Church, Greater Love Full Baptist Church, Greater New Bethel Baptist Church and Breakthrough International Christian Center
WHAT: Candle lighting ceremony and prayer vigil
WHEN: Sunday, December 12, 2021, | 5:30pm to 7:30pm
WHERE: Betty T. Ferguson Community Center
WHY: To honor those lost to COVID. By sharing personal stories of loss and triumph, the City hopes to encourage residents to take the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
FLU season and OMNICRON are here, DELTA never left.
A Resurgence of Covid 19: What Do You Need to Know for Back-to-School? Ask the Experts Zoom Townhall Meeting
Miami Gardens, FL. (August 2, 2021) – We’ve sheltered in place and at first glance, it appeared we were turning the corner and returning to normal. Then came the relaxing of the rules, and a no mask mandate. This followed by the Delta Variant, has left many of us wondering what is next. Join the City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens (LHMG) as we bring together a panel of experts to help our community prepare for the 2021 school year.
WHO: The City of Miami Gardens and Live Healthy Miami Gardens (LHMG) featuring Dr. Yabo Beysolow, MD, MPH, CDC Researcher and Founder and Owner of YB Consultants, LLC, Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) Immunization Subject Matter Expert and Consultant; and Dr. Michelle Kirwan, Pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer, Center for Family and Child Enrichment (CFCE)
WHAT: Ask the Experts Zoom Townhall Meeting, Hosted by Neki Mohan
WHEN: Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | 6:30-7:30pm
WHERE: Live on ZOOM – FB Live - @LiveHealthyMiamiGardens
Register at https://asktheexpertsmg.eventbrite.com
WHY: As Covid-19 cases continue to increase in Miami-Dade County and schools re-open to full in person learning on August 23rd, The City of Miami Gardens’ Live Healthy Miami Gardens will host an interactive conversation with residents. Learn about the Delta Variant directly from the CDC experts who will also share COVID-19 policies for various schools and offer guidelines for parents to follow.
Panelists are available to speak with press day of and prior to event
City of Miami Gardens Receives All-America City Designation
On August 19, 2020 the City of Miami Gardens was awarded the All-America City Award and the Youth Award.
The All-America City Award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.
This year’s focus on Health and Wellness provided an opportunity for our City to highlight the work of LHMG, our Parks and Recreation Department and our Public Works Depart and the nexuses of cross-departmental coordination happening every day to ensure healthier outcomes.
LHMG’s focus on improving health outcomes combined without our Parks department’s focus on providing safe and convenient access to community spaces necessary for daily life activities; and our Public Works’ efforts to ensure the built and natural environments improves and encourages mobility, makes for a comprehensive approach that has led to the CMG being a leader in addressing health disparities and improving overall health and wellbeing in our City.
Congratulations to our youth award winner, Elettlia “Ellie” Addison-Phelps. Ellie is a 17-year-old resident of MG and graduate of Miami Carol City. She Graduated top 10% of her class; was a participant in Law Magnet and IPREP; served as the Junior Mayor of Miami Gardens Junior Council; and was a member of our Police Department’s Miami Gardens Police Explorer Post for four years. Further, Ellie was a Silver Knight Nominee in the area of Social Science in 2020; and is the Founder of her own nonprofit organization, “Beauty Beyond the Streets Inc,” a project that collects and distributes hygiene and beauty products to homeless women in our community. As you can see, Ellie is a very special young woman and we are so very proud of her.
A very special CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU to all of our STAKEHOLDERS whose tireless commitment to collaboratively plan and collectively lead strategies is making CMG a healthier place to live, work and play day by day. We hope you are as proud of this COLLECTIVE WIN as we are.