ABOUT MEGACARE

As we continually program to meet the holistic needs of hurting people around the world, we are proud to share the latest health care effort, MegaCARE, as part of MegaFest International .  MegaCARE will provide health care and educational opportunities to the people of South Africa and Swaziland. This effort links the Potter’s House with local governmental, NGO, and faith-based partners to bring relief to parts of Africa where medical and community assistance is most genuinely needed. “MegaCARE continues that tradition of supplying programs and services that meet the practical needs of all people.” said Bishop T. D. Jakes, visionary for MegaFest.

 

Background

Since its inception, Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter’s House of Dallas, Inc. have highlighted and addressed the state of health of American people. Several Potter’s House ministries (e.g. medical, counseling, HIV/AIDS, chemical dependency) were created to heighten awareness and offer appropriate intervention for individuals managing health issues. Additionally, during national conferences, the ministry has historically partnered with health affiliates and offered free health services (e.g. 50 Million Pound Challenge, Red Cross, SAMSHA, Black AIDS Institute).

One example of the ministry’s commitment to addressing health concerns was the 2006 launch of the national It’s Time to Step Up HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Through this campaign, the ministry has gained national critical acclaim for effective HIV/AIDS programming, powerful coalitions, and the ability to normalize discussion on HIV/AIDS in the church sector.

The ministry’s commitment to lending a helping hand in South Africa and other countries has been evidenced via the building of water wells in Kenya, adding a wing to the Melchizadek Hospital, and holding medical camps throughout various impoverished countries.

MegaCARE Partners

Sponsored by Terra Cotta International (TCI) and The Potter’s House Center for Counseling and Behavioral Health (CCBH), MegaCARE is partnering with governmental and faith-based organizations in South Africa and Swaziland to provide onsite triage, general health screenings, HIV counseling and testing, dental care, ophthalmic care and referral services. Materials and resources on malaria, tuberculosis, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and more will be disseminated. 

 

A partner of PEPFAR (United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), Society for Family Health/New Start will provide HIV testing and counseling while Pro-Health International will provide the physicians, lab techs, pharmacists and others who will deliver expert care and counseling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in South Africa is another partner in this initiative.

MegaCARE Efforts

 

·  A health initiative which offers comprehensive medical services to the general public. Men, women and children will receive health screenings, HIV counseling and testing, dental and ophthalmic care, family and individual counseling, and referral services. ·  Potter's House Counselors will offer "Help for the Helper" Self-Care Seminars for local school and healthcare personnel.   ·  An educational exchange for American and South African school-aged children.   ·       For South Africans who are interested in learning more about healthcare services offered in their community, MegaCARE will also present a health fair. The MegaCARE Community Health Fair will run from October 10 through 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Expo Centre (Nasrec) in Johannesburg. Various healthcare organizations will man informational booths and share educational briefs focused on their area of expertise.   Other philanthropic initiatives occurring during MegaFest International include: ·       The Potter’s House and partners such as the Niall Mellon Township Trust will build two homes near Soweto to replace houses that are currently made of tin, cardboard and scrap materials. ·       In Swaziland, World Vision and The Potter’s House join hands to build The Potter’s House for Children, a community-based care center for children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. The center will provide meals, training and love to approximately 200 children. ·       In Zambia, two water wells will be rehabilitated, affording the citizens a safe water source.

 

 

MegaCARE After-Care

1. Distribution of local healthcare resource directories.
2. Advertisement of 800 numbers of healthcare resources.
3. Dispensing of pharmaceuticals.
4. Dispensing of bibles and prayer tools.
5. Linking participants to South African healthcare agencies for follow-up care.
6. Solidification of healthcare partnership between Potter’s House and South African healthcare agencies with goals of a) sending supplies and goods, b) future medical missions, and c) co-research development.

MegaCARE Research

In addition, MegaCARE seeks to collect quantitative and qualitative data from consenting participants on knowledge of their healthcare status, impediments to proper healthcare, and healthcare enhancements. This data will be utilized to develop empirically-based “best practices.”

MegaCARE Press Release

MegaCARE Health Fair Fact Sheet

Johannesburg

10/11/08                                 Saturday                                  (9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.)
10/12/08                                 Sunday                                     (9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.)

Swaziland

10/14/08                                 Tuesday                                   (10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.)
10/15/08                                 Wednesday                           (10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.)
10/16/08                                 Thursday                                 (10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.)
10/17/08                                 Friday                                         (10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.)
10/18/08                                 Saturday                                  (10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.)

 

*Subject to Change*