Health fair in St. Paul looks to connect Black community with care, resources

ST. PAUL, Minn. — There’s an important event this weekend trying to address the health care crisis in the Black community.  Health experts say many suffer from diabetes, obesity, and heart issues. Most are navigating their issues without the help of a primary care physician. A St. Paul reverend is stepping up to help connect his community to get the care they need. “Health care is a major issue. We have a health care crisis in the African American community,” said Rev. Dr. Melvin Miller. Miller can look out into his congregation at Progressive Baptist Church in St. Paul and see the urgency in helping the community. He is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to sponsor a health fair, designed to address the health care crisis in the Black community. “One of the main reasons why we are doing this is for the Medicaid renewal,” said Steve Wilson. Community engagement specialist with the Department of Human Services Steve Wilson is counting on the Black church to once again make a difference. “There is a deep concern of people not having insurance because of the pandemic,” Wilson said. Wilson said during the pandemic people didn’t have to do...