The Truth Staff
On Saturday, August 9, the recently founded Empowered Wellness Foundation, Inc. hosted its first ever “Rise and Thrive” Community Health and Wellness Fair at the Wayman Palmer YMCA – an event designed to uplift Toledo families with free medial services, educational resources and fun fitness activities.
Toledo families were extremely receptive – they started lining up for the event well before the 10 a.m. start time and continued to arrive in great numbers throughout the day.
Empowered Wellness Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by two local African American physicians, Drs Jamie McBride and Michael Bush-Arnold, with a mission to provide the support to individuals to enable them to lead healthier lives.
Drs Bush-Arnold and McBride, a husband-and-wife team, brought together numerous doctors, including 15 African American local doctors, and other health care professionals, , for Saturday’s health and wellness fair. In addition, numerous health care organizations were on hand to provide information to the public.
In collaboration with community members and nonprofits, services were provided on diabetes prevention, high blood pressure screenings, mammograms, sports physicals, immunizations and more will be offered — all free and accessible to all, regardless of insurance status.
In addition, families were able to enjoy free food and refreshments and to receive book bags filled with school supplies. The Imagination Station offered STEM activities, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library provided giveaways and a walk-through inflatable lung exhibit, face painting and free dance classes were also available to visitors.
Dr. Bush-Arnold is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician and Dr. McBride is an Emergency Medicine physician.
“We’re bringing revolutionary care directly to the communities that need it most,” said Dr. Bush-Arnold. “This isn’t just about medicine – it’s about empowerment, education and building trust.”