Honoring a medical legend, local elected officials, community leaders, and supporters assembled at the Kappa Alpha Psi Memorial House located in Northwest Jacksonville, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Dr. Charles B. McIntosh Community Achievement Center. Dr. Charles B. McIntosh, the center’s namesake, is Jacksonville’s first African American pediatrician. Graudating from Meharry medical School in 1955, McIntosh established his pediatric office during segregation while rendering life-saving care to many children of color whose parents were restricted from receiving health care at local White hospitals.
A pioneer in Sickle-Cell research, McIntosh is the recipient of the Certificate of Merit, the highest honor bestowed by the Florida Medical Association. “The Community Achievement Center honors Dr. Charles B. McIntosh’s tireless efforts spanning seven decades of rendering quality healthcare to Jacksonville’s underserved youth,” said Dennis Gamble, Foundation Chairman. In addition, Dr. McIntosh was recently nominated as an honorary alumni member of Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2022.
Since 1997, The Kappa Alpha Psi Jacksonville Foundation has sought to transform the lives of youth through specialized training in the areas of life skills, leadership, financial literacy, health, and information technology. In addition, the Foundation has provided $500,000 in academic scholarships to deserving high school graduates. The Community Achievement Center will allow for the Foundation to assist more community members. In partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Community Achievement Center will house a medical office and support staff where community members will be able to receive routine medical care.
The Kappa Alpha Psi Jacksonville Foundation, Inc. was established in 1997 and is dedicated to serving our community through five main initiatives: Life Skills Training; Leadership Training; Financial Literacy; Heath Education; and Information Technology. For more information, visit www. kappajaxfoundation.org.
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