Rockford Ready Takes Center Stage at Spring ArtScene, Blending Art and Health Literacy Awareness

The Rockford health literacy initiative, Rockford Ready, is once again participating in the Spring ArtScene biannual art walk on April 19 and 20. This marks the third year that Rockford Ready has been a part of the event, showcasing diverse artists and talents that highlight health literacy issues through art. Anqunette Parham, executive director of the City of Rockford’s Health and Human Services, leads this initiative and is thrilled to bring their unique perspective to the event.

Community members attending the art walk will have the chance to meet muralists and youth poet laureate Trinity Rucker. Rockford Ready is currently working with local artists from Rockford known as the Fatherless Print Posse on a mural for the event. Trinity will also perform a poem specifically written for the occasion, further blending art and health literacy. Organizations like Crusader Health will be present at the event, along with an opportunity for attendees to participate in Narcan training.

Narcan training involves administering Naloxone, a drug used to prevent opiate overdoses. The health department offers this training as a first line of defense against opiate overdoses in the community. SouthSideScene is scheduled from 4 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, April 20 at 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.