Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/309372
North Sarasota and Newtown-area churches are joining together with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, and in partnership with the HIV/AIDS Network of Southwest Florida (HANS), to promote community health and wellness services, the groups have announced. The Gospel Explosion Block Party will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sarasota County Housing Authority's The Courts Apartment complex on the corner of Orange Avenue and 21st Street in Orange Avenue Park, a news release explains. "This is going to be an exciting community affair," said Bill Carter, who works for Genesis Health Services and First Step of Sarasota as a case manager, in the release. "I've wanted to see our community embrace this type of event and now we are seeing this dream come together with these churches." He added in the release, "All of the churches will have choirs performing inspiring and uplifting songs of joy and hope that carry a positive message." Representatives of local healthcare agen- cies will be present to distribute information, including material about HIV and STD test- ing, the release notes. The event will feature live musical perfor- mances from the choirs of the following local churches: Bethlehem Baptist, Hurst Chapel AME, New Bethel Missionary Baptist and Truvine Missionary Baptist, the release con- tinues. "Attendees also will be able to enjoy fun activities with their children," it notes. Free refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 256-6620 or visit the HANS website. For information about health initiatives in the Newtown community, visit the Community Health Improvement Partnership website. BLOCK PARTY PLANNED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES Orange Avenue Park will be the site of the Gospel Explosion Block Party on May 17. Image courtesy Sarasota Housing Authority Sarasota News Leader May 9, 2014 Page 87