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Goodwill, Multicultural Health Institute present wellness event Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘Day of Service’ to focus on food, resources, jobs and health Contact Name: Sharon Kunkel Contact Email: sharon@wordslingermarketing.com Contact Phone Number: 9419282049 BRADENTON, FL – In order to reach community members in need of vital programs and services, Goodwill Manasota and the Multicultural Health Institute are partnering on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The event takes place on Saturday, January 23, 1-4 p.m. at Goodwill’s Corporate Campus location (2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton). This is a free event focused on food, resources, jobs and health, with services and programs provided by Goodwill and partnering agencies. MHI will provide live health screenings, with blood pressure, glucose and BMI checks, diabetes education and screening, COVID-19 testing and vaccine information, and PPE distribution. MHI will also distribute food, provided by Meals on Wheels Plus. MCR Health will assist with free eye exams and referrals for both adults and children. The SunCoast Blood Bank Blood Mobile will be on-site to gratefully accept blood donations and provide educational materials on COVID-19. Representatives from Goodwill Manasota’s Job Connection, Community Connection and Veterans Services programs will offer guidance on career and veterans’ services as well as provide information about social services available throughout the community. On-the-spot interviews for employment at Goodwill will also be available. "We are thrilled to be working with the Multicultural Health Institute to help provide direct wellness services and offer information about critical social services during our MLK Day of Service," said Margie Genter, vice president of mission services for Goodwill. "This event will provide much-needed assistance for those in our community who may not have sufficient access to resources. If we can help catch dental and health issues early for even one community member, and direct people to resources that can help improve their lives, then this effort will have been most worthwhile.” Blood donation appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome; photo ID required. Donors will receive a $10 Goodwill gift card as well as a wellness check for temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin, cholesterol and COVID-19 antibody screening test. Those who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies and choose to donate their plasma will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Additional agencies will be added as the event approaches. To ensure community safety, CDC guidelines will be followed. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, contact Cindy Winning at 941-920-2733. For more information about the event, go to experiencegoodwill.org/events or call Pavitra Ciavardone at 941-355-2721, ext. 163. PHOTO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST: The Multicultural Health Institute will distribute PPE, as well as provide other services, to attendees of the wellness fair on January 23 About Goodwill Manasota Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721. About Multicultural Health Institute The Multicultural Health Institute (MHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1995 by Dr. Lisa Merritt. Its core mission is to address health disparities in the medical system and redirect and target care to the affected communities. MHI seeks to level the healthcare playing field by promoting, educating, and ensuring equal healthcare access and treatment for individuals and communities who are traditionally uninsured and receive a poor quality of care. Visit the-mhi.org or call 941-906-9484 for more information.