Newsroom
17 May, 2026
Lakay Accès Santé and Partners Launch Monthly Free Health Event Series for Underserved Communities in Greater Newark
NEWARK, N.J. — Lakay Accès Santé (LAS), a statewide community health organization with a strong presence in Essex, Union, and South Jersey communities, is honored to announce the launch of a monthly community health and wellness event series for underserved communities in Greater Newark. The inaugural event, held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in partnership with Maranatha 7th-day Adventist Church, MEND (through the NJ SNAP Food Assistance Program), the Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness — Mary Eliza Mahoney Center, and Handz On Lab Solutions, served 37 adults — 16 men and 21 women — at no cost.
Services Provided
- Health education session and take-home resources
- SNAP and Medicaid enrollment navigation
- Medical and dental appointment set-up
- Blood pressure and blood sugar screenings
- Comprehensive cardiovascular disease lab work
- Fresh produce and community giveaways
This monthly series is our commitment to dismantling barriers to care — one event at a time, in the neighborhoods where the need is greatest. May 16th was only the first chapter.
— Lukenson Francois, MPH, CEO — Lakay Accès Santé
Thank You to Our Partners & Volunteers
Lakay Accès Santé extends its deepest gratitude to each partner organization — Maranatha 7th-day Adventist Church, MEND, the Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness — Mary Eliza Mahoney Center, and Handz On Lab Solutions — whose dedication and expertise were essential to the success of this event. Equal thanks go to every volunteer who gave their time and energy on May 16th. Your service is the heartbeat of this work.
Most importantly, LAS thanks the 37 community members who walked through our doors on May 16th. Investing in your health takes courage and trust, and you honored us with both. You are not just the reason we organize these events — you are the proof that this work matters. We look forward to seeing you and many more neighbors at next month's event.
About Lakay Accès Santé
LAS is a statewide community health organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for Haitian immigrants and underserved populations across New Jersey, with concentrated work in Essex, Union, and South Jersey communities. LAS provides culturally competent services in English, Español, and Kreyol ayisyen, including health education, beginner ESL programming, health navigation and advocacy, and community outreach through health fairs, pop-up events, faith-based partnerships, and direct community engagement to connect residents with the care and resources they need.
Media Contact: Lukenson Francois, MPH — lfrancois@lakayaccessante.org
Leave a Comment