The last of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry’s “community conversations” on public safety is tonight at WJCT Studios.
The focus will be how health and wellness affect civic well-being.
Panelists include members of the local health department, the Sulzbacher Center and the Edward Waters College health clinic.
Over the past 30 years, Jacksonville pediatrician Dr. John Assi has earned a reputation as a "medical saint" in the community he serves.
“Don't turn anybody down," Assi said. "Children come first has been my philosophy from day one.”
Assi spoke to WJCT in September after opening a clinic at Edward Waters College. In the surrounding low-income area, residents suffer from more health problems, including higher rates of diabetes and obesity, compared to the rest of the county.
Before Schell-Sweet Community Clinic, some area patients traveled long distances to reach Assi’s other offices.
“This is a project that the community came together to make a success,” he said.
Mayor Lenny Curry said he hopes Assi's success can be replicated, which is why the doctor is one of his panelists in tonight’s forum.
In a news release, the mayor’s office said the goal is to “identify health-related challenges and issues plaguing our city and the efforts being done to establish resources and support.”
The panel begins at 6. It’s moderated by WJCT CEO Michael Boylan.
