Ministers Justice Coalition Partners with It’s Time Texas to Launch Health Healing Hubs in 76104 and 76105.
The Ministers Justice Coalition, in partnership with It’s Time Texas and Texas Health Resources, is proud to announce the launch of the Health Healing Hubs initiative. This collaborative effort aims to address long-standing health disparities in Fort Worth’s underserved ZIP codes, 76104 and 76105—communities facing some of the most significant challenges to health equity in Texas, including 76104, which has the lowest life expectancy in the state.
Through this initiative, the Coalition and its participant churches will work alongside It’s Time Texas, the lead organization, to create lasting change by improving health literacy, promoting wellness, and providing economic opportunities.
Building on a Legacy of Service: The Ministers Justice Coalition’s Pandemic Response
The Ministers Justice Coalition has a history of addressing critical needs in the 76104 and 76105 communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, the Coalition became a cornerstone for underserved residents, implementing impactful programs:
1. Emergency Food and Supply Distribution: Working with local partners, the Coalition organized large-scale food and resource drives, ensuring families in need had access to essentials during lockdowns and economic uncertainty.
2. Health Advocacy and Education: Collaborating with churches, the Coalition tackled vaccine hesitancy by providing accurate health information and leveraging trusted community leaders to promote vaccinations and preventive care.
3. Economic Empowerment: Recognizing the economic toll of the pandemic, the Coalition partnered with organizations to facilitate job training and employment opportunities, creating pathways to financial stability.
These initiatives underscored the Coalition’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities and laid the foundation for programs like the Health Healing Hubs.
Health Healing Hubs Initiative Overview
The Health Healing Hubs initiative is funded by a $430,000 grant and represents a collaborative effort between It’s Time Texas, the Ministers Justice Coalition, and other key partners to bring transformative health services and economic opportunities to 76104 and 76105.
Key Partners
• Lead Organization: It’s Time Texas
• Collaborators:
• Ministers Justice Coalition and its participant churches, including:
• New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church
• Christ Temple Church
• Greater TrueLight Church
• University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
• Texas Health Resources
Goals of the Initiative
1. Recruitment and Training:
Parishioners from Black and Hispanic churches in the target ZIP codes will be recruited for paid training as certified community health workers (CHWs).
2. Economic Empowerment:
Graduates of the CHW training will secure full-time employment, addressing both health and economic disparities in the community.
3. Promoting Health Literacy and Wellness:
The initiative will foster a culture of health through:
• Peer support networks to encourage shared learning and accountability.
• On-site physical activity and nutrition programs, including meal preparation classes to combat food insecurity.
• Health literacy campaigns designed to empower residents with knowledge and resources for better health outcomes.
Strategic Impact and Broader Context
The $430,000 allocated to the Health Healing Hubs is part of a larger $23 million investment by Texas Health Resources in underserved communities since 2019. This initiative is aligned with Texas Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified 76104 and 76105 as two of 32 ZIP codes disproportionately experiencing health and socioeconomic disparities.
Why It Matters
• Economic Empowerment: Paid CHW training and employment address the twin challenges of health inequity and financial instability, offering a pathway to sustainable improvement.
• Community-Centric Approach: By leveraging trusted local churches, the program ensures culturally sensitive and effective outreach.
• Ripple Effect: Past successes, such as Wise County’s Children’s Advocacy Center and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute’s school district initiatives, highlight the transformative potential of these programs when implemented thoughtfully.
Leadership and Vision
Rev. Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and leader of the Ministers Justice Coalition, emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“The Health Healing Hubs initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships. By working with It’s Time Texas and Texas Health Resources, we’re tackling the root causes of inequity while building healthier, stronger communities. This is not just about health; it’s about hope and opportunity.”
Contact Information
Rev. Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.
Pastor and Mediator
New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church
2864 Mississippi Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: 817-966-7625
Email: kptatum1@gmail.com
Website: www.newmountrose.com
YouTube: Ministers Justice Coalition
Join Us in Transforming Lives
Together, through collaboration and commitment, the Health Healing Hubs initiative is poised to create a healthier and more equitable future for 76104, 76105, and beyond.
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