FORT BEND, Texas – Several teenagers in Fort Bend County decided to take matters into their own hands when they realized their immigrant community was in need of affordable healthcare.
Ridge Point High School sophomore Beaza Solomon and four friends have organized a health fair scheduled for Friday October 4, 2024.
Solomon tells KPRC2′s Sofia Ojeda why they decided to start making big changes now.
“To be honest I feel like we just got tired, we just got exhausted,” says Ridge Point sophomore, Beaza Solomon.
Beaza Solomon and several friends say they knew they needed to do something when they learned so many families in their immigrant communities were having trouble getting healthcare.
“We come from a background that each of our parents are immigrants. Medicaid, Medicare, a lot of people get rejected. Around the time we came up with this idea, almost everyone got rejected, because there was an age limit, 65 and older,” said Solomon.
“That was a problem, not qualifying for insurance because it created kind of a worry for our community. And it kind of was a barrier for getting simple services like getting our teeth cleaned or having screenings,” added Solomon.
As part of the Fort Bend Youth Leadership Program, they got together, brainstormed ideas and then emailed companies, CEO’s, hospitals asking for help on their healthcare project.
“We just took our shot and we had some hospitals and professionals that really believed in us and we made this event work. I think they just saw the passion and desire in us and took a chance, and I’m very grateful that all of them reached out,” added Solomon.
So what helped these teens, so young in age, but wise beyond their years refuse to take no for an answer?
“I feel like it’s just being delusional like I just reach out they’re going to say yes. If they don’t, oh well! I know I’m a bit young but I don’t think there’s a certain age to make a difference. All you need to do is have enough passion, drive and maybe a great group of friends to come up with an idea and execute it,” says Solomon.
Solomon also says watching her parents, who immigrated from Ethiopia, also pushed her to work so hard.
“I know my dad works 12 hours, my mom works night shift, she works in healthcare, she’s a nurse, and I’ve seen them work hard I guess subconsciously that’s driven me to cross barriers and do the best I can,” says Solomon.
Through the Youth Leadership Program, she and several peers also got to go to Washington D.C. and meet with lawmakers inspiring the teens to make changes in their own communities, pursue policy and healthcare.
“As soon as you see a problem, try to do something about it, it could be face-timing your friends and brainstorming ideas to impact the community, it could be something like a fair, an initiative or even volunteering you can leave an impact any way possible,” says Solomon.
The Lend A Hand For Wellness Community Fair will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 at the United Way, 12300 Parc Crest Drive, Stafford, TX 77477 from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
The health fair is offering free health screenings, checkups, and legal information. It will feature TRS Health, Ibn Sina Foundation and Silver Heart Care.
Email LendAHelpingHand.YLP@gmail.com or go to Instagram @lending.a.helpinghand for more information.