A poverty simulation was recently held at the Lapeer Education and Technology Center in Attica. On April 24th, more than 50 individuals gathered for a unique experience to raise awareness about poverty. The purpose of the event was to spark conversations and action that will lead to reducing poverty and its impacts in the Thumb region.
Poverty simulations are interactive experiences that show what it is like to access and navigate services with limited resources. The simulation is designed for participants to walk, for a short time, in the shoes of someone who is low income. It is a way to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people in poverty and how our system works or in some cases does not work well for those in need.
Through the Lapeer Poverty Simulation, participants developed greater awareness, understanding, and empathy concerning the dynamics of poverty. The simulation is part of broader efforts to build healthier, more resilient communities in the Thumb by addressing root causes of health disparities.
This event was made possible thanks to the collaborative effort of several community partners. These partners include the Thumb Opioid Response Consortium, the Thumb Community Health Partnership, the Lapeer County Intermediate School District, and the Lapeer County Community Foundation.
Follow-up training about strategies to address poverty will be available to professionals and the community. Future poverty simulations and training workshops will also be held throughout Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties.
For more information or to get involved, contact Karolyn McEntee at info@thumbhealth.org / 810-447-0594 or visit www.thumbhealth.org
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