Kelsey Heatley / Assistant Managing Editor
The National Association Advancement of Colored People, and Del Mar College are holding a health fair clinic on September 17th from 10 a.m to 3 p.m at the Del Mar College West Campus.
Terry Mills, president of the NAACP for the past three years, is excited for the city’s health fair.
“This is the third health fair we’re holding and to help people get informed about their health is our goal,” Mills said.
The health fair will have screenings and check-ups for dental oral health screenings, body fat content, cholesterol, blood pressure, general wellness, diabetes, bone density, bone marrow, HIV screening, and will offer vaccinations.
The NAACP is a group that remains consistent to projects in the community. The group oversees the Juneteenth celebration every year and is involved with organizations like the women’s shelter and metro-ministries.
Since 1909, the NAACP has been fighting for social justice not only for African Americans but also for minorities in general.
“By fighting for causes together it saves money, and were working as a bigger force, it gets things done,” Mills said.
The vision statement of the NAACP is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights, and there is no discrimination based on race or other factors.
“To bring diversity, peace, harmony, unity and cohesiveness to the community is our main goal. Were not a black group, white group, orange group, or purple group. Were a group for everybody,” Mills said.
In the year 2010 the NAACP accomplished a number of major goals with the help of local supporters.
A few of those goals include helping to prevent the state of Texas from editing the racial history of America out of its’ textbooks, calling attention to the racist elements of the Tea Party movement, and advocating for the eviction of Tea Party leader Mark Williams.
Mills wants DMC students to know that the NAACP is open and available to everyone.
“I have to remind people that were a colorless organization and were here to not only create change, but to give back to the community. We have strong leaders and partners, and we work together as a team,” Mills said.
Anyone living in Nueces County interested in attending the fair can receive transportation to the event from Richard Bourchard Fair Grounds.