EATONVILLE, Fla. — There are no clinics, no doctors’ offices, and no medical labs within the town of Eatonville. To top it off, based on a Data USA analysis of census data, the town has an uninsured rate of around 20%.
But now, a new partnership is bringing more access to the Eatonville community as Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and Grace Medical Home work to fill the medical desert with resources for residents.
From vision tests to blood pressure and meeting with a nutritionist, it’s all available for free.
“Yes, first experience,” said attendee Tarsha Watson, who said she heard about the event while at church.
“Given the opportunity that there are resources out here willing to help, we take advantage of it as much as we can, and I am grateful that they are here to help,” Watson said.
Currently, without insurance and with no other doctors in the area, Watson said the free screening at her church was critical.
“I enjoyed it. It was wonderful — everyone was pleasant, everyone was helpful, they showed me where to start,” she said.
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church partnered with Grace Medical Home thanks to a grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation.
“The goal is to reach people who don’t have access to care, or don’t have a primary care doctor to provide screenings, to provide food, to partner with the church that has a trusted relationship to serve more people,” said Grace Medical Home CEO Stephanie Garris.
Parish nurse Tonja Williams said the church has a long-standing history of serving the congregation and community through its health ministry.
“We reflect the heart of Christ, therefore we exclude no one,” she said. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to receive quality health care.”
Macedonia serves as a healthcare hub, and church leaders say they hope to create more permanent accessibility in Eatonville.
“Especially among African American men,” Pastor Willie C. Barnes said. “Men don’t, especially those who are below the poverty level — they don’t go get screenings. They don’t do nothing like that.”
According to census data, 28.2% of people in Eatonville are below the poverty line, which includes nearly 50% of residents aged 65 and older.
Once a week, the church serves food to the hungry and homeless, and they hosted their recent health care event at the same time to serve anyone in need.
“Do not be embarrassed,” Watson said. “I would say, come on out and give Grace Medical Home the shot they are willing to give us.”
Grace Medical Home will return to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville (412 E Kennedy Blvd.) the first Tuesday and Wednesday in May, August, and November, to offer free health care.