Participants also discussed the importance of bridging the gap between generations—sharing knowledge, listening without judgment, and building safe, supportive environments where youth feel comfortable expressing their concerns and experiences. The discussion highlighted the power of listening, understanding, and showing up for one another across generations.

The group explored how worries and issues from younger generations tend to be dismissed. “We can’t assume children have no worries just because they are cared for,” Alexis shared with the group. “They may need help and support.”

The next Wellness Wednesdays meetup is slated for May 20. Call 313-758-6100 to register.

The second moment came Wednesday (March 18) at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, when her Wellness Wednesdays’ sisterhood came out in force to celebrate Sharonda with flowers and dancing (Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive’’) amid the din of a clamoring pink cowbell.

“These ladies are the best,’’ Sharonda, 55, said of the monthly women’s support group. “They embrace you; it’s a no-judgement zone.’’

As Wellness Wednesdays generally features health-based topics — such as preventative care and wellness — for low-income adult women and seniors, March’s session was no different with lead facilitator Alexis Harvey reminding the group about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, taking their blood pressure regularly, and knowing their A1C number (healthy goal: below 5.7%), among other points.

“Listen to your body,’’ Alexis said, adding that several Wellness Wednesdays participants have begun seeing providers at the SAY Clinic. “Never be satisfied with less than.’’

Sharonda is testament to that. She said her breast cancer diagnosis was discovered following an annual mammogram.

“I start radiation on May 4,’’ she said. “I’m almost there.’’

SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic is seeking a licensed Pharmacist to volunteer in support of equitable access to essential medications for patients and families in the Detroit community. This role plays a critical part in ensuring safe medication dispensing, effective patient education, and reliable pharmacy operations.

Time Commitment: As little as 1 shift per month (3–5 hours)

Key Responsibilities

• Stock and manage medication inventory
• Fill prescriptions and refills accurately and safely
• Provide medication counseling and education to patients
• Support clinic efforts to promote health equity and patient well-being

Qualifications

• Active Pharmacist license
• Commitment to patient safety, education, and community service
• Ability to volunteer at least one shift per month

Interested in Volunteering?
Contact the SAY Detroit Volunteer Team:
📧 volunteer@saydetroitclinic.com

Location

SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic
1355 Oakman Blvd, Detroit, MI 48328

The first step? Facing facts: 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease, but more alarmingly, 1 in 5 people are not aware they have it. Education and prevention are key to reducing those statistics — and health care costs, which are estimated at $327 billion dollars nationally for diagnosed individuals.

Alexis Harvey, SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic’s community health worker who leads the monthly sessions explained a vital screening step to the group: “It’s important to communicate with your health care provider about your family history so they can determine what screenings are necessary. We all should encourage the people we care about to also be screened.”

Harvey was joined by SAY Clinic’s on-staff health coach Janine Greene and Debby Miller, community health worker at Trinity Health, who provided key information about diabetes prevention classes that provide targeted guidance on how to implement lifestyle changes that fight Type 2 Diabetes. A new class is starting at the SAY Clinic in March — please call 734-655-8942 to register for an information session on March 3 to learn more about the class.

Even if you’re not at risk of developing diabetes, it’s never too late to develop healthy living habits — Green recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week along with health eating. Past events have helped participants learn about nutrition labels and patients at the clinic regularly receive “prescriptions” for fresh vegetables through a partnership with local urban garden.

In a special treat, a mini book club session also introduced participants to Harvey’s new and well-received self-published memoir, Reclaiming My Time. In a safe space where members regularly share their personal stories, it was a special opportunity to celebrate the support group leader’s raw and moving story.

The conference room was transformed into a “zen” paradise for staff and patients, boasting massages, meditation, aromatherapy, tea, and sensory relaxation. “My goal is to bring a safe and calm space to businesses and organizations, where they can take a minute to relax and decompress,” explained Takyra Fulton, who founded CALM more than seven years ago to create safe, restorative spaces for Black women to prioritize self-care, mental health, and community connection without barriers.

After the success of working with CALM during First Year’s BabyQ luncheon last November, Harvey —  who directs all outreach programs for SAY Clinic — saw the opportunity and importance to “show appreciation for all the hard work our staff does, and for our dedicated patients.”

A welcome mental health resource, CALM is in talks with SAY to work on programs at SAY Play, as well as return to the clinic in the spring.

“I’m so pleased to be able to coordinate this,” Harvey explains. The patients, staff and those served by the SAY community are just as pleased to enjoy the benefits!

Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. And the real-time healing was on full display as attendees enjoyed games and meaningful conversations, using the time to pause and appreciate the blessings in their lives. Participants shared what they were most thankful for, like an early breast cancer diagnosis that allowed for timely treatment and hope for recovery. Another participant who shared her gratitude for life after surviving a serious car accident that totaled her vehicle. “This year was the hardest year of my life,” said Alexis Harvey, SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic community health worker who runs these monthly support group meetings that help Detroit women connect and grow. “I lost my mom in June, but I still remain thankful for the love and support that I have from family, friends, and my SAY Detroit family.”

It was a beautiful reminder of resilience, community, and the power of gratitude.

Wellness Wednesdays resumes January 21, 2026.

Some brought their children. Others came alone or brought a friend or their family for support.

All were welcomed Saturday (Nov. 15) at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, where its First Year program held a barbeque luncheon — playfully called a BabyQ — for members which included nearly two dozen moms and expectant mothers.

“I heard about First Year from my best friend, Brianna,’’ said Erika (last name withheld to protect privacy). “Alexis who runs it is the best. The help, the resources, the kindness. She’s like an auntie I never had.”

Erika is referring to Alexis Harvey, who has served as First Year program coordinator for the last several years, providing support and education for pregnant moms and mothers with children in their first year. For the event, Harvey brought onboard several community and resource organizations to make the afternoon special for the attendees, including two rooms for relaxation and massages.

“I have a 14-year-old and a 3-month-old, and life has been tough for me,’’ Erika said. “Today was beautiful – and needed. I got a hand massage and a back massage!’’

First Year is not a one-time visit for assistance, Harvey said. Moms must attend regular meetings and receive education and training on everything from learning how to install a car seat to instruction on providing safe sleep for baby and family.

“I’ve been working with Alexis for about a year,’’ said Afi A-Alkebu-Lan of Royalty Birthing Services. “As a community-based doula, she takes a load off of me; it’s been a great partnership.’’

Harvey said of the event: “It was such an impactful event for our community! I had the opportunity to connect with many moms who expressed how appreciative they were for a day dedicated to wellness and the chance to build connections with other moms. In these challenging times, being able to come together and support our community is more important than ever.

She added: “A huge thank you to Breakroom Circle, CALM Agency, and Royalty Birthing for being an integral part of making this day so special. Their presence and contributions helped create an atmosphere of support, education, and joy that will leave a lasting impression on the moms.’’

You can support SAY Detroit’s health care initiatives like First Year here.

The message behind the campaign was easily applied — and eagerly accepted — by the nearly 30 women, mostly seniors, who were in attendance at Wellness Wednesdays’ monthly support group and luncheon at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic.

When the price of fresh produce — especially those now out of season in Michigan — starts soaring, the majority of the attendees knew to head to the frozen food aisle, where many vegetables and fruit are frozen at their peak of freshness, with no preservatives or additives.

But what if you can’t find or afford fresh or frozen, only canned, which often contains added sodium?

An alternative is to give them a rinse, said Danielle Garnick, program coordinator at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

“When you’re able, look for those canned vegetables that say ‘no salt added” or are salt (sodium) free,’’ she said.

Garnick also shared information on choosing healthy meals as you get older, emphasizing that food provides nutrients you need as you age.

Garnick received a loud ovation when she finished her presentation and accepted a bouquet of flowers from Wellness Wednesdays facilitator Alexis Harvey on behalf of the group.

“It’s so fun when they engage and these women loved sharing their stories because we got to individualize the information,” Garnick said.

Wellness Wednesdays’ final session of the year is Nov. 19. Registration is required. Please call 313-758-6100 to reserve your spot.

Originally launched in December of 2008 by SAY Detroit as the nation’s first free medical clinic devoted to homeless children and their mothers, the clinic responded to community needs by shifting reach to adult patients with limited income; for those who qualify, we provide services free of charge for uninsured or underinsured patients. 

The former facility had five exam rooms, while the new facility offers ten, in addition to three new treatment rooms for dental services, a service that had not previously been offered to SAY Detroit patients. Clinic leaders project that the facility upgrade, which offers ample on-site parking, will increase patient volume by as much as 50%, enhancing access to a wide range of services, including primary care, gynecology, internal medicine, podiatry, physical therapy, dermatology, health coaching, dentistry, and nutrition. Additional services offered include an on-site pharmacy, a behavioral medicine clinic, and two outreach programs: “First Year,” for pregnant and new moms of infants, and “Wellness Wednesdays,” a senior-focused monthly support group for women.

As part of its expanding footprint in Detroit, Trinity Health has forged management partnerships with many local health clinics, including SAY Detroit in 2019. In addition to its ongoing financial support, Trinity Health brings extensive experience and expertise in overseeing the clinic’s day-to-day operations. On hand to join the ceremonial ribbon-cutting were Shannon Striebich, President and CEO, Trinity Health Michigan and Paul Hughes-Cromwick, Trinity Health Detroit Ministry Board Chair. “It’s a shining example of what a group of people can do together,” said Striebich.

“It means something to be in this space,” remarked Detroit Deputy Mayor Melia Howard.

Our address has changed and our services have grown, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to healthy communities and preventative care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.