UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH – CARE ACCESS/LOCAL & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES – EQUAL GROUND/ CITY OF ORLANDO D-5 COMMISSIONER ROSE UPDATE

Our mantra “You Can’t Treat Me if You Don’t Know Me,” is the reason why CARE ACCESS is making clinical research available to all. It is the only way African American DNA will ever be considered when developing new drugs. Jammie Wood with CARE ACCESS shared how they bring FREE health screenings and education to communities of color in order to advance strides in medicine. They offer specific cholesterol testing as well as lipid panels, liver screenings, A1c to determine pre-diabetes or diabetic status, kidney function and protein analysis for Alzheimer’s Disease. To find out when the screenings are happening, call 407/917-2868 for Joneal Brunner or www.myhearttest.com Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND, Genesis Robinson gave a comprehensive update on the current legislative session. They are still trying to balance our state budget, since the House wants to reduce our sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. Not only will that be less revenue to operate with, the cuts will drastically affect areas like health & education which is already seeing millions of dollars in deficits. The Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo resigned under pressure from constituents on the floor last week. The interim is Laurie Bermon with Tracey Davis stepping into place in 2026. Republicans in the Florida state House of Representatives have been investigating whether Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration illegally used $10 million tied to a federal Medicaid settlement to help defeat a 2024 ballot measure legalizing recreational marijuana. The organization is tied to one his wife Casey operates. Dates to remember are as follows: May – August EG will do statewide updates, May 27th is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming June 24th Primary election. However, you must register again by June 12th if you plan to vote by mail in the June 24th Primary election for Senate seat 40 (vacant since the sudden death of Senator Thompson) and House seat 15 (which will become vacant as Lavon Davis plans to run for Senator Thompson’s seat). September 2nd is the General Election. Interim Commissioner Shan Rose of D-5 in the City of Orlando talked in depth about what she’s been working on over the last 10 months of being in office. The former City employee and resident of Paramore talked about housing and employment opportunities available now and on the horizon for residents. Safety is her top priority along with procuring business opportunities and career development for residents. Her youth mentorships, advocacy for the homeless and senior citizens in her district have been priorities as well. Connect with the Commissioner who plans to run to retain her seat in November. Stay connected: [email protected] on social media orlandodistrict5 or call 407.246-2005