Summer was buzzing with activity here at LAHC.
Together with our partners, volunteers, and neighbors, we were cooking, moving, learning, and building programs that strengthened our community from every angle.
Here’s a look at what we were up to in the summer months—and how you can join us in the months ahead to keep the momentum going.
Healthy recipes & zero food waste at the Community Pantry
Our recipe-based food bag and tasting events are a hit!
Each month, we host 1–2 onsite LAHC pantry distributions, featuring creative ways to use surplus ingredients from the Forgotten Harvest Mobile Market.
Recently, guests enjoyed a healthy spinach dip tasting—helping us share an abundance of canned spinach while inspiring new meal ideas. These events cut food waste and empower families to get the most from what’s available.
Senior services: Cooking & chair yoga
In July, we held a cooking demonstration and chair yoga session at Western Wayne Family Health Centers.
Our Culinary instructor created delicious Aztec rice bowls that proved healthy, diabetes-friendly meals can be simple and satisfying.
While enjoying the meal, participants learned about fiber, nutrition labels, and managing Type 2 Diabetes.
Supporting young mothers
Our Nurture & Play therapeutic play group at MCHS T.I.P.S. – Detroit continues to provide support for young mothers and their children.
Through our Maternal and Infant Health – Mom Care Connect program, we hosted a Mommy and Me in the park event with 10 moms with children gathering to connect with one another and share resources.
Due to the event’s success, another two were scheduled for August.
Expanding harm reduction
In July, we placed a Narcan newspaper stand at the Michigan Veteran Foundation in Detroit—a high-traffic site offering transitional housing and support for veterans.
The stand is stocked with free naloxone kits and bilingual instructions on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.
So far, this year our team has provided 431 Narcan trainings across the community — equipping individuals, families, and organizations with the lifesaving skills to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.
Our team has already trained over 60 veterans and staff on proper Narcan use and will continue to provide supplies and support.
Youth leadership & prevention in action
Our ACT Drug-Free Community Coalition has had a busy summer empowering youth and driving prevention initiatives:
- CDC Partnership Extended: We’ve been invited to continue our work with the CDC and CADCA for another year, helping create a national guidebook on improving youth voice and empowerment in prevention.
- National Recognition: At the CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute in Nashville, our ACT Coalition Coordinator presented two breakout sessions on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on youth involvement in prevention—drawing over 160 attendees from across the country.
- Community Conversations: From the “Behind the Badge” police-community training to the 3rd Annual Health, Love, and Music Festival youth panel, our team has been building connections and sparking dialogue about self-image, confidence, and prevention strategies.
📅 Mark your calendar
August Observances
- National Breastfeeding Month
- National Immunization Awareness Month
- Back to School Safety Month: Focus on youth safety and peer pressure resistance.
- National Wellness Month: A reminder to keep up healthy routines and self-care.
- 31: International Overdose Awareness Day – Honoring lives lost and raising awareness about harm reduction.
September Observances
- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
- Healthy Aging Month
- Recovery Month
- Pain Awareness Month
- 7–13: National Suicide Prevention Week
- 15: Hispanic Heritage Month begins
- 21: National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day
Thank you to everyone who attends events, volunteers, shares resources, or simply spreads the word about our programs.
Your support makes all of this possible—and we can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events this month and next!
