Free, confidential HIV rapid testing and counseling

When: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Wednesday

Where: Shelby County Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinic, 814 Jefferson Ave., Room 102

Why: As many as 1 in 7 people who are HIV positive don’t know it. This is an opportunity to walk in — with no appointment — and find out your status in about one hour. 


Healthy Men, Strong Communities event

When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday

Where: First Baptist Church, 2835 Broad Ave. 

Why: There are several studies that show men aren’t great at taking care of their health; racism, it’s been shown, harms black men’s health, in particular. This event is specifically for men 18 to 35 to get used to the idea of regular health screenings. It includes free screenings including a personal health history review (if you want the lipid profile test, you should have a light lunch and fast four hours before the test), dinner and prize drawings. Go.


The Kindred Place parenting warm line

When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Call 901-276-2200

Why: Being a parent can be stressful. Being a parent during the holiday season can be especially stressful. Being a parent during the holiday season in a pandemic can be incredibly stressful. You can call this line and connect with a therapist who will listen and offer ways to ease that stress. 


Police Free Schools! #EndTheMOU

When: Tuesday at 4:45 p.m.

Where: Shelby County School Board, 160 S. Hollywood St.

Why: We all want safe schools but studies show that having a police presence in schools fuels the school-to-prison pipeline. This effort seeks to end the Shelby County Board of Education’s contract with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. If you go, you can share your stories of encounters with law enforcement in school or explain why you believe police don’t belong in schools. If you can’t go, you can take a different kind of action by filling out this form


COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program monthly seminar

When: 10 a.m. Thursday

Where: Virtual; You can connect through Zoom here 

Why: If you are struggling with your rent or utility bills, this hour-long meeting will help you understand how to get the help that’s available to you through the ERA program

Adrienne Johnson Martin is executive editor of MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. Contact her at adrienne.martin@mlk50.com


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