Rockford Ready Takes Center Stage at Spring ArtScene: A Journey Through Health Literacy through Art and Community Engagement

The Rockford health literacy initiative, Rockford Ready, is once again participating in the Spring ArtScene. This biannual art walk will take place on April 19 and 20 and will showcase diverse artists and talents that bring to light the issues surrounding health literacy through art. Anqunette Parham, the executive director of the City of Rockford’s Health and Human Services, leads this health initiative and is excited to bring their unique perspective to the event.

Organizations like Crusader Health will be present at the event, along with the option for attendees to participate in Narcan training. Narcan training involves the administration of the drug Naloxone, which is used to prevent opiate overdoses. The health department provides this training as a first line of defense against opiate overdoses in the community.

Rockford Ready is currently working on a mural with local artists from Rockford, known as the Fatherless Print Posse. Trinity Rucker, the newest youth poet laureate, will also perform a poem specifically written for the event, further intertwining art and health literacy. Community members attending the art walk will have the opportunity to meet muralists and learn more about these important issues.

SouthSideScene is scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 at the Guysie Jenkins Community Resource Center, located at 911 Michigan Ave in Rockford. This event promises to be a unique opportunity to engage with art while raising awareness about health literacy issues.