From the desk of Executive Director Yolanda Randles

July 2024 Edition

It is often observed that African Americans are underrepresented in medical studies, which can have significant implications for healthcare disparities. There are various reasons behind this trend, including historical unethical practices like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, lack of trust in the medical system, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic factors.

However, we know that it is crucial for African Americans to participate in medical studies to ensure that healthcare interventions are effective and beneficial for our community. By actively engaging in research, African Americans can contribute to the development of treatments that are tailored to our specific needs and address health issues – such as diabetes and high blood pressure – which disproportionately affect us. Increasing diversity in medical studies can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare solutions that benefit everyone.

To address this issue, the West Fresno Family Resource Center will be partnering with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine on a project titled “Understanding Research for People of Color.”

We will hold a series of listening sessions between medical workers and the African American community. These sessions will provide a space for open and honest dialogue about the concerns and hesitations surrounding medical studies. Please look on our website or in this space for information to come about the project. By bridging the gap between medical professionals and the African American community, we hope to increase participation in medical studies and ultimately improve health outcomes for all.

Program Spotlight

Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications.

Staff from the West Fresno Family Resource Center have been talking to farmworkers, the unhoused, the elderly - supplying them with information, tips and resources to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

With temperatures already reaching 109 degrees in Fresno, Hope Flint, program coordinator said it is important for everyone to take precautionary measures this summer.

“It is very hot right now and Fresno has already seen fatalities due to the heat, especially among the unhoused,’’ Flint said.

The resource center is one of several community-based organizations that received a grant from the Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications. The office manages California’s highest priority community engagement and public awareness efforts.

The extreme heat campaign is one of three initiatives under the grant, The others are Save Our Water, which focuses on water conservation and ITIN, which helps to receive a tax identification number for the purpose of filing taxes.

“The project gives us an opportunity to engage with the community and give residents information that is very vital,” Flint said.

The extreme heat campaign includes information on the signs of heat stroke, what to do in case of a stroke and how to stay hydrated. Besides speaking to various groups and attending community functions, staff give out water bottles, cooling towels, as well as information and locations on cooling centers. When the temperature reaches 105 degrees residents can go to cooling centers provided by Fresno Parks and Recreation. For example, the Maxie Parks Center and Ted C. Willis Center are designated cooling centers. Residents can also ride city buses free of charge when traveling to a cooling center.

If you would like more information or would like someone from the resource center to speak to your organization, please contact Hope Flint, (559) 374-5750 or email Hflint@wfresnofrc.org

The Heat is On!

With Fresno experiencing temperatures over 100 degrees, it's vital to safeguard yourself against the intense heat. Solve this crossword puzzle to enhance your knowledge of extreme heat and for a chance to enter our monthly raffle.

Submit your answers via the QR code by July 31st to qualify.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Luisa Sanchez

at (559) 890-8571 or email Lsanchez@wfresnofrc.com

Back to School Health Fair

The West Fresno Family Resource Center is excited to announce its annual Back to School Health Fair will be held on August 17 at Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of this significant event, where the resource center, along with other agencies, assists thousands of families in preparing for the new school year. Attendees will have access to free school supplies, complimentary haircuts, shoes, clothing and other resources.

If you are interested in donating or becoming a vendor at this event, please reach out to Hope Flint at (559) 374-5750 or (559) 629-8309, or via email at hflint@wfresnofrc.org. For additional details, visit our website WFFRC or click here for the flyer.

Health Disparities Program News

Folleto en Español

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alex Chavez

at (559) 603-8951 or email, achavez@wfresnofrc.org

Congratulations to our graduates

Congratulations to staff members of the West Fresno Family Resource Center who have recently completed necessary coursework and earned college degrees. We are so proud of your accomplishments. Please join us in congratulating the following:

Noel Burrell

Program Manager- Sickle Cell Disease

Master of Science in Public Health

Raymart Catacutan

Community Health Worker- Health Disparities

Bachelor of Science in Public Health Administration

Essienia Porter

Program Assistant- Sweet Potato Project 2

Associate in Psychology and African American Studies

Randles honored for her service to the Fresno Community

Yolanda Randles, executive director of the West Fresno Family Resource Center, was recently honored with multiple awards in recognition of her outstanding community leadership.

In May, she received the 2024 California Women Making Herstory award from District 14 Senator Anna M. Caballero.

Following this, Fresno Mayor Dyer acknowledged Yolanda's contributions by presenting her with the Youth Leadership Award for her work on the center's Sweet Potato 2 Project.

In June, Yolanda was once again recognized, this time with the Community Award during the Juneteenth celebration. Expressing her gratitude, Yolanda humbly credited her dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters of the West Fresno Family Resource Center for their hard work and contribution to making Fresno a better place to live.