As dawn breaks over the Delta Wellness Center in Leland, Myesha Stovall steps into the room, infusing it with a palpable sense of hope and promise for the day ahead.
With a warm smile, she greets her clients, and her interactions are driven by her unwavering commitment to their holistic well-being.
Among them is Tarkevious Shells of Leland. He navigates the gym with grace despite being blind, and Stovall’s steady presence and encouraging words guide him.
The Delta Wellness Center, part of the Leland Medical Clinic, is an initiative supported by the Delta Health Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to improving health and education in the Mississippi Delta. The Leland Medical Clinic, run by Delta Health Alliance since 2013, provides primary and behavioral health care to Bolivar, Sharkey, Sunflower, and Washington Counties.
The clinic offers a sliding scale discount program to make health care affordable based on household income and family size, benefiting uninsured patients and those with limited insurance coverage.
The wellness center offers monthly memberships at $10 for youth and seniors, $15 for adults, $30 for families, and $20 for senior households. The organization tackles health challenges like obesity, chronic conditions and infant mortality by enhancing health care access and promoting healthier lifestyles through education.
Stovall’s journey from running her own fitness business to her pivotal role at the center reflects her dedication to making a tangible difference.
“I received my personal training license while also at Mississippi State, and I’ve been utilizing it ever since,” Stovall said. Her passion for helping others was ignited by her experiences caring for her aging aunt. Stovall stresses the significance of establishing connections on both physical and emotional levels, catering to a diverse clientele that includes seniors, athletes and individuals grappling with chronic illnesses.
Her inclusive approach extends to clients like Shells, who finds solace and progress in Stovall’s guidance despite his challenges.
“Myesha’s patience and humor have made my workouts enjoyable and effective,” Shells said.
Carolsue Billingsley, also of Leland, has pre-diabetes and is a client of Stovall’s and credits her with positively impacting her overall health.
“Myesha is more than a trainer to me; she’s a lifeline,” she said.
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