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IMA And Health Momentum To Provide Healthcare Clinics In Area Churches

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By LE “Lilly” Brown
Texas Metro News

Councilman Adam McGough joins IMA board members as the initiative’s contract is signed by Rev. David E. Wilson (Source: Texas Metro News, LE “Lilly” Brown, Staff photographer)

Ending mass incarceration, advocating for renters facing eviction, and introducing medical innovations that could be promising to underserved communities were discussed as area ministers signed a covenant with a local nonprofit to establish clinics in area churches.

Leadership of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) and the community-based nonprofit, Health Momentum, gathered at Dallas’ Doubletree Hotel Monday to sign an agreement that will provide pilot clinics in IMA-affiliated churches. 

In this partnership that includes federally certified healthcare providers; Our Home Test LLC and At Your Door Labs, LLC, clinics will be constructed to federal specs to meet federal standards. 

Lorna Lizotte gives a keynote speech commemorating the importance of the ceremony and partnership between IMA, At Your Door Labs, and her organization, Health Momentum (Source: Texas Metro News, LE “Lilly” Brown, Staff photographer)

According to Lorna Lizotte, founder and managing director of Health Momentum; the lack of accessible health clinics has created disparaging inequality in Dallas County.

“In Dallas County, boys in zip code 75204 have an average household income of $105,000 per year and they live to about 90 on average.”

In the southern sector, the numbers are not that impressive, said Lizotte.

“However, towards the southern part of the county in zip code 75215, the average household income is $41,000 and the boys live to be about 63,” she continued. “The IMA church-based clinics will provide access to affordable, comprehensive, holistic care that can positively impact health outcomes for the community.”

Rev. David E. Wilson signs the covenant of agreement as ministers from the IMA board look on with Anwar Kazi, CEO of At Your Door Labs, LLC, the projects managing organization (Source: Texas Metro News, LE “Lilly” Brown, Staff photographer)

Rev. David E. Wilson, CEO and president of the IMA and Pastor of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church said that the IMA is answering the call to help through this innovative partnership. “Given how impactful the coronavirus has been across the globe, and especially across low-income communities of color, this wellness challenge is a clear mandate that leadership must connect resources to improve health outcomes for the least well among us.”

The Reverend was joined by Dallas City Councilman Adam McGough of District 10, who pledged to provide fiscal support to IMA to further expand their reach while IMA will be responsible for “amplifying the initiative and mobilizing their vast network of religious officials and constituents who are committed to equitable, safe, and effective healthcare.”

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By Norma Adams-Wade Sam Cooke crooned in the mid-1960s that “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Now more than a half-century later, major change has come for countless churches and faith groups across the land. Dr. Ouida Lee The COVID-19 pandemic has brought that change. “Change has come and we’re likely not going back to old times that will not work anymore,” said Rev. Roy Locke, senior pastor at New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 2000 West Pleasant Run in Lancaster. “We’ve got to hold on to those times that were so meaningful; and at the same time stay tuned to where the Lord will lead us.” Current trends indicate that Rev. Locke’s sentiments are being replayed in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, kingdom halls, and various other worship sites globally. Why? Because the COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on how faith groups carry out their worship services and minister to congregants. 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Dr. Christian and other ministers said holding on to their Gen Y and Gen Z members – those born shortly before the year 2000 and soon after – was a challenge that took much effort from youth leaders and church administrators. At Kirkwood, youth leaders would hold youth meetings on Zoom -- abbreviated to no more than a half-hour to honor the youths’ short attention span and to prevent them turning off before the meeting would end. The meetings would include Bible lesson games and awards that the youth seemed to enjoy. Rev. Dr. Ouida Lee has battled diverse issues over more than 30 years in ministry, including as a pastor at several churches in Dallas and nearby towns. Surviving decades of struggle being a female pastor strengthened her ability to inspire worshippers to stay strong during the pandemic. 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And we would follow all CDC health measures.” This story is part of a project funded from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) to support original Pandemic impacted churches, faith groups

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