Par Dessalines Ferdinand
last week, MJD Wellness and Community Center in North Miami took center stage, hosting two significant events that underscored its growing impact on the health sector in Miami-Dade County.
On Thursday, October 10, the nonprofit organization celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Hope Mobile Health Clinic. The event took place in the parking lot of MJD’s headquarters at 822 NE 125th Street, North Miami, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This celebration was followed by MJD’s 9th Annual Health and Wellness Festival on Saturday, October 12, at the Joe Celestin Center.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a monumental moment for the organization, particularly for its president, Dr. Emmanuela “Manou” Fleurimont, who had long envisioned a mobile clinic to better serve those in need across Miami-Dade County.
Dr. Marie Etienne, the first Black president of the Florida Nurses Association, co-hosted the event. She opened the ceremony by thanking attendees for their presence despite the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which fortunately spared Miami-Dade County. She led a prayer for those affected by the hurricane and asked for blessings on the new mobile clinic.
North Miami Mayor Dr. Alix Desulme delivered the keynote address, praising Dr. Fleurimont for her vision and determination in improving community healthcare.
“Emmanuela, today is a proud day,” Mayor Desulme said. “This mobile clinic represents hope and progress. It will bring essential care directly to our residents, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all. Your leadership is a shining example of what it means to serve others.”
He added: “This is the dawn of a new era in healthcare for our community. I commend Manou for her visionary leadership and the entire MJD Wellness & Community Center team for making this dream a reality.”
Former Florida Senator Daphne Campbell and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime, Florida State Representative Alina Garcia were among the attendees.
In her address, Dr. Fleurimont first expressed gratitude to God, saying, “God chose me to do His work, and for that, I am deeply grateful. When I came to this country, I never imagined I would be serving the community like this. His plans are greater than anything we can envision for ourselves.”
She went on to thank her parents for their sacrifices, particularly acknowledging her mother, who is battling cancer, for being present to witness the culmination of MJD’s achievements.
Fleurimont, affectionately known as “Manou” in the Haitian community, extended thanks to numerous individuals, including key Haitian-American leaders such as former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime, former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aimé, and North Miami Mayor Dr. Alix Desulme. She also acknowledged the support of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, among others, for helping turn her dream of a mobile clinic into reality.
She detailed the journey behind the creation of the “HOPE” Mobile Health Clinic, which was funded through grants amounting to $72,000 and required an additional $96,000 for the purchase of the truck. To date, over $20,000 has been invested to equip the truck as a fully functional mobile clinic.
9th Annual Health and Wellness Festival
On Saturday, October 12, MJD Wellness and Community Center held its 9th Annual Health and Wellness Festival at the Joe Celestin Center. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has become a cornerstone of community-based health promotion in Miami-Dade County.
The festival provided free health education and medical screenings to attendees. Hundreds of participants benefited from services such as vision screenings, dental cleanings for both children and adults, hypertension and cholesterol checks, and health insurance enrollment assistance. Local businesses such as CarePlus, Humana, and Community Smiles, which sponsored the event, were also present to showcase their products and services.
Attendees were able to undergo HIV and STD testing, gaining important insights into their health. Throughout the day, local medical professionals were available to answer personal questions about health, nutrition, and wellness. The event also featured a dedicated Kid’s Zone, ensuring a fun and educational experience for families.
Dr. Fleurimont emphasized that the festival’s success was made possible by not only the MJD Wellness and Community Center board members but also the dedicated volunteers who helped bring the event to life.
In addition to healthcare services, participants received free food packages, an effort aimed at addressing food security and promoting overall well-being. The organizers ensured attendees left with essential items, extending their support beyond medical care.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by local entertainment. DJ Paz and the rasin band Koudjay captivated the crowd with energetic performances. A highlight of the day was the debut of a new artist, “Ti Kessy,” who paid tribute to the late singer Kessy, demonstrating that his legacy will continue.
Unfortunately, the evening’s performances were cut short around 6 p.m. due to heavy rain in the northwest part of North Miami, preventing Miami-based artist Wide, a former vocalist of Zenglen, from performing as planned.
MJD Wellness and Community Center’s recent initiatives, from the unveiling of the Hope Mobile Health Clinic to the successful 9th Annual Health and Wellness Festival, exemplify the organization’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Miami-Dade County residents. The legacy of service and innovation forged by MJD will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare in the region, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a better quality of life.
