Vance Street Missionary Baptist Church, located in Danville, VA, hosted a groundbreaking event aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of our community. 

With a population of 43,055, Danville is a diverse city where 49.4 percent of the population is African American, and the median household income is $37,203. However, a 2021 health equity report revealed that Danville faced significant health challenges, ranking 127th out of 133 Virginia localities for overall health and reporting a lower life expectancy of 75.9 years compared to the state's 79.5 years. Leading causes of death included cancer, heart disease, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

In response to these disparities, we partnered with local organizations, including the Danville Regional Foundation and their "Make More Happen Together" Grant, Pittsylvania-Danville Virginia Department of Health, The Health Collaborative, and Sovah Health among others, to create the Healthy Bodies – Healthy Minds Community Fair. 

This event, held at the Camp Grove Recreation Center, brought together over 400 participants for a day of education, engagement, and empowerment. Attendees received valuable information on health conditions such as mental health, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer prevention, along with access to community resources and direct dialogue with healthcare providers.

The community fair featured outdoor talks by healthcare professionals, vendor stations, live music, food by Southern BELLE Food Truck and fun activities like line dancing and the Strollin' Colon. Participants were encouraged to engage with vendors and collect punches on their punch cards, which they could exchange for door prize raffle tickets, fostering active participation and community involvement. 

VSMBC's dedication to improving health outcomes in Danville was evident throughout the event, promoting a healthier and more vibrant region. The church's vision is that this initiative will lead to increased awareness and practical interventions to enhance the health and well-being of the entire community.