A new health initiative aimed at addressing critical health disparities in Baltimore has been unveiled by Ark Church in collaboration with several key partners. The program, titled “Lifting Up Our Health – Together,” focuses on combating high diabetes rates and increasing vaccination coverage in the community.
Bishop J. L. Carter, pastor at Ark Church, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Diabetes leads to severe complications – such as heart attacks, kidney failure, amputations, blindness, and premature death. With our community experiencing some of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation, along with the concurrent low vaccination rates against flu and COVID-19, our congregation, and the Baltimore community, is at high risk.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Ark Church, brings together a powerful coalition including the Baltimore City Department of Public Health, Safeway, National Minority Quality Forum’s Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity, NovaScripts Central, and Unstoppable Future Corporation. This community-driven effort aims to elevate health awareness and access to care through education, support services, and direct medical interventions.
As part of the program, Ark Church will host monthly luncheons through April, featuring educational sessions on diabetes management, nutritious meals, and clinical services including vaccinations for flu and COVID-19. Bishop Carter explained, “At Ark Church, we are embracing the call to heal and strengthen our community from within. Our mission has always been to serve not just the spiritual but also the physical well-being of our congregation and neighbors.”
The initiative is supported by Sanofi and the CDC, reflecting a broader commitment to ensuring a healthier future for Baltimore’s residents. This collaborative effort demonstrates the potential impact of community-based approaches in addressing pressing health challenges and reducing health disparities.
