In a united mission to fight substance abuse and promote holistic health, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, through the Accra City Conference and the Meridian Ghana Conference, officially climaxed Drug Awareness Month 2025 with simultaneous free health screenings and wellness outreaches on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at two major locations: the Accra Art Center in the Mensah Jimmy community and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (T.M.A) Forecourt in Tema Community 1.

Under the theme “A Community Rising for Positive Change,” both events were spearheaded by the Adventist Health Ministries and drew hundreds of beneficiaries from their respective communities.

At both Accra and Tema, residents received comprehensive medical services including blood pressure monitoring, malaria testing, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, temperature checks, and electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings. Recognizing the critical link between addiction and mental health, the program also featured licensed counselors who offered individual therapy sessions focused on drug abuse, emotional trauma, stress, and recovery.

In Mensah Jimmy, leaders and volunteers from the Adventist Health Ministries proactively went door-to-door, inviting residents and encouraging them to take advantage of the free services. This grassroots mobilization significantly boosted community engagement and attendance. In Tema, similar mobilization efforts were observed, with strong local support and coordination.

The twin events were graced by influential church and civic leaders. In Tema, Pastor K. A. Poakwa, President of the Meridian Ghana Conference, officially launched the outreach and reaffirmed the Church’s dedication to serving communities beyond the pulpit. He was joined by Mr. Ameyaw, Treasurer of the Conference; Philip Owusu Antwi, President of the Meridian Ghana Conference Pastor K. A. Poakwa, Adventist Health Association; and Isaac Kwame Donkor, Executive Secretary and Acting Health Director of the Conference.

In Mensah Jimmy (Accra), Pastor S.O.T. Hammond, President of the Accra City Conference, led the local charge with the open prayer, followed by support from health professionals from Ghana Adventist Health Services (GAHS) and teams from Gbawe Adventist Hospital, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and Pantang Psychiatric Hospital.

The public sector also played a vital role. Representing the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Robert Mensah Gbeley commended the collaboration between faith-based institutions and public authorities, calling it a transformative partnership that benefits the youth and wider society.

Speaking to Hope Adventist News, Dr. Joseph Bennin, a senior practitioner from GAHS, noted the health challenges facing the Mensah Jimmy community. “There is limited access to quality healthcare here. Many have not renewed their NHIS cards. We urge the National Health Insurance Authority to support them,” he appealed.

Mrs. Akua Afriyie Nkrumah, Child and Adolescent Nurse Specialist and WAD Medical Missionary, also emphasized the psychological toll in the Accra community. “A significant number of attendees, especially single parents, are facing serious emotional and mental health struggles. There is a need for continued support and education.”

In Tema, Philip Owusu Antwi outlined the Church’s long-term vision to expand these health initiatives. Isaac Kwame Donkor further highlighted leadership's role in sustaining such life-saving programs, noting that the goal is to "reach more souls and create lasting impact."

Pastor Prince Sewor, the health ministries director, ACC, emphasised the spiritual, physical, and emotional significance of the outreach. He noted that the initiative was not only about raising awareness on drug abuse but also about delivering tangible support to help individuals live healthier and more purposeful lives.

Both outreaches also extended kindness beyond health. In Mensah Jimmy, free hot meals were provided to all participants, showcasing the Church's commitment to holistic ministry. In both Tema and Accra, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, joy, and gratitude as participants expressed how timely and life-changing the services were for them.

The 2025 climax of Drug Awareness Month by the Seventh-day Adventist Church stood as a profound witness of the Church’s mission: to serve, uplift, and heal. From Tema to Accra, the coordinated health outreach did more than offer services—it restored dignity, sparked hope, and reminded entire communities that healing is possible when love meets action.