F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Caring for your mind matters just as much as caring for your body, and no one should have to do either alone. Yet for many of our neighbors, mental health support can feel out of reach, whether it's cost, language, or simply not knowing where to turn. That's exactly the kind of barrier F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays are here to break down.
On the first Tuesday of every month, Mercy & Truth brings the community together for Food, Information, Resources, Screenings, and Truth, all free and all in one place. It's a morning to pick up groceries, get checked out at our Mobile Health Clinic, and connect with local organizations ready to help, no appointment or insurance needed.
This July, we're keeping mental and emotional wellness front and center, because Life-Changing Care starts with feeling supported. Bring a friend, bring your family, and take one simple step toward feeling your best.
Join Us for July F.I.R.S.T. Tuesday
Tuesday, July 7 · 10am to 11:30am
721 N. 31st Street, Kansas City, KS
First come, first served. While supplies last.
Food.
Information.
Resources.
Screenings.
Truth.
At Mercy & Truth, we believe Life-Changing Care should be accessible, preventive, and consistent.
That is why we launched F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays, a monthly outreach initiative serving individuals and families across Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County.
F.I.R.S.T. is more than a name. It reflects the structure of each.
On the first Tuesday of every month, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at our Kansas City, KS location, we bring these five elements together in one place to reduce barriers and increase access to care.
This is practical support combined with preventive healthcare.
Mercy & Truth
721 N. 31st St.
Kansas City, KS
FREE! But always first come, first served and while supplies last.
First Tuesday
of Every Month
10 - 11:30 a.m.*
*During our quarterly expanded events in March, June, September and December, our end time will be extended to 12:00 pm.
Serving Wyandotte County and greater Kansas City.
2026 F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays Schedule
Each F.I.R.S.T. Tuesday integrates Food, Information, Resources, Screenings, and Truth into one coordinated community health initiative. Monthly focus areas align with nationally recognized health observances to ensure relevance, prevention, and long-term impact for Kansas City families.
August 4
Ready for School, Ready for Health
National Immunization Awareness Month
August prepares families for the school year through immunization education, preventive pediatric care guidance, and support scheduling follow up visits. Our focus is helping children begin the academic year healthy, prepared, and supported.
September 1
Healthy Habits for a New Season
Cholesterol Education Month
September encourages renewed attention to nutrition, cholesterol, and sustainable habits. Screenings and education will support families in making these changes to promote long term health and recovery.
December 1
Winter Wellness and Flu Prevention
National Influenza Vaccination Awareness Month
December focuses on protecting families during the winter months through flu prevention education and general wellness. Screenings and conversations will highlight vaccination, respiratory health, and strategies to reduce seasonal illness. The goal is to help individuals and families enter the new year with stronger health foundations and practical preventive care habits.
October 6
Breast Health and Early Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October highlights the importance of early detection and preventive screening. Education will focus on understanding risk factors and the value of timely follow up care. Awareness leads to action, and action leads to better outcomes.
November 3
Harvest of Hope
American Diabetes Month
November integrates food support with education on blood sugar management and diabetes prevention. Screenings and guidance will help families navigate the holiday season with informed choices that support stable glucose levels and overall wellness.
Past Resources.
Explore previous monthly health topics and download resources.
April 2026
Stress Awareness
May 2026
Women’s Health
May centered on women's preventive health, with screenings and education focused on cardiovascular health, emotional well-being and routine preventive care. The month honored the caregivers in our community while encouraging the women who care for everyone else to prioritize their own health first.
April focused on the impact of stress on physical and mental health. Resources highlighted the connection between chronic stress and conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and depression, along with practical strategies to build healthier coping habits and protect long term wellbeing.
June focused on the health of men and the conditions that affect them most. Resources highlighted why men are less likely to seek preventive care, along with the leading concerns like heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes that are often preventable or manageable when caught early.
June 2026
Men's Health
July centered on mental and emotional wellness in recognition of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Resources highlighted the barriers that can keep neighbors from seeking support, like cost, language and stigma, along with reminders that caring for your mind matters as much as caring for your body.
July 2026
Mental Health
What You Can Expect
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Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many families in Kansas City.
Through mobile food pantry partnerships and on-site distribution, F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays provides:
Fresh and shelf stable groceries
Supplemental food support
Hotdogs, chips, and water bottles served on site
This immediate assistance helps relieve pressure while families work toward greater stability.
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Health education empowers better decision making.
Each month aligns with nationally recognized health awareness initiatives, providing relevant, timely education on topics such as:
Cancer prevention
Kidney health
Mental health
Women’s health
Immunizations
Diabetes prevention
Cholesterol management
Fact sheets and one-on-one conversations with healthcare professionals ensure information is clear and actionable.
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Access to care should not feel complicated.
Our team connects individuals to:
Mercy & Truth clinic appointments
Follow-up medical care
Preventive screenings
Community health partners
Ongoing support services
F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays is designed to be a doorway into long term healthcare access, not just a single event.
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Preventive screenings are one of the most effective tools for reducing long term complications from chronic disease.
Our Mobile Health Clinic is on site at every F.I.R.S.T. Tuesday event providing free, confidential screenings, including:
Blood Pressure
Total Cholesterol
Blood Sugar
Height, Weight, and BMI
Hemoglobin A1c
Personalized Health Education
If follow-up care is needed, our staff will assist in scheduling appointments at one of Mercy & Truth’s two convenient clinic locations.
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Truth is foundational to everything we do.
At Mercy & Truth, we believe truth includes clear health education, honest conversations about risk factors, and compassionate care rooted in dignity and respect.
For those seeking spiritual encouragement, it also reflects our commitment to whole body care that addresses body, mind, and spirit.
Truth means meeting real needs with integrity.
Why F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays
Matter
Wyandotte County continues to face challenges in food security, chronic disease, and access to preventive care.
F.I.R.S.T. Tuesdays reduces barriers by integrating Food, Information, Resources, Screenings, and Truth into one consistent monthly event. Life-Changing Care begins with accessibility, education, and trusted relationships.
Get Involved.
Mercy & Truth welcomes:
Community health partners
Food distribution partners
Volunteers
Organizations serving Kansas City families
Contact us to learn more about partnerships and volunteering.