Minneapolis – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on Nov. 6 will host JJ’s Jab-oree, a flu vaccination clinic for college students at the University YMCA. The annual event is presented in partnership with Vaccinate Your Family, UCare and Cub Foods Pharmacy as part of the Health is Wealth Fair.
JJ’s Jab-oree honors 2-year-old JJ Neiman-Brown, who passed away from the flu in 2020. For the past four years, Patti Neiman, director of the University YMCA and JJ’s great-aunt, has led vaccine programming in honor of JJ and his mother, Dr. Maurine Neiman.
“The University YMCA bridges campus to community daily, and this event is an example of what we do best: bringing together partners for a cause,” said Patti Neiman. “As families and communities prepare to come together for holiday gatherings, it’s so important to protect ourselves and each other from preventable diseases like flu. Our family’s devastating loss of JJ should not happen to another family. Vaccination saves lives.”
At the event, college students will be able to receive a free flu vaccine and gift card, provided with support from Vaccinate Your Family. Students must sign up in advance and be 18 or older to participate in the vaccination clinic.
In addition to vaccinations, resources at the Health is Wealth Fair will include:
- Information about mental health first aid training and college student service opportunities from the University YMCA
- Health insurance and medical care resources from UCare
- Outreach from the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative
- Naloxone kits and training opportunities from the Steve Rummler HOPE Foundation
- Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks plus nutrition education from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health
- Substance abuse prevention resources from Asian Media Access
- Information about chemical exposure and toxic-free personal care products from the Minnesota Department of Health
- Puppy visits and opportunities to make puppy blankets for donation, courtesy of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control
- Snacks and gift card giveaways
The Jab-oree’s vaccination mission also extends to additional YMCA of the North locations, which are hosting flu shot clinics throughout the fall. Participating branches include the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA – Minneapolis, Elk River YMCA, Emma B. Howe YMCA – Coon Rapids, Forest Lake YMCA, Hastings YMCA, New Hope YMCA, Shoreview YMCA, Southdale YMCA – Edina and Woodbury YMCA.
Any community organization can host a flu/COVID pop-up vaccination clinic at its site. If interested or for more detailed information, please reach out to Panyia Thao, UCare quality improvement specialist, at pthao@ucare.org.
WHAT: JJ’s Jab-oree and Health is Wealth Fair
Special guests in attendance:
- Dr. Maurine Neiman, mother of JJ Neiman-Brown
- Serese Marotta, CEO of Vaccinate Your Family
WHERE: University YMCA, 1801 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 6, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.