Bringing Art to Health: Rockford Ready’s Impactful Presence in the 2019 Spring ArtScene

A Rockford health literacy initiative is once again participating in this year’s Spring ArtScene, a biannual art walk taking place on April 19 and 20. This marks the third year that Rockford Ready has taken part in the art walk, showcasing 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.

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