A prayer breakfast taking place next week will include health screenings and informative presentations in addition to the main event.

Lola Jones, a deacon at St. Paul Baptist Church, which is organizing the breakfast, said the church decided to do a prayer breakfast because of many changes coming to Suffolk.

“We want people to be aware of the impact it will have on our city,” said Jones, citing things like the new Strelitz Diabetes Center, the Obici Place project at the former Obici Hospital site, and the proposals to upgrade Route 460.

“We want people to understand the importance of being involved in their civic leagues and things like that,” Jones said.

The April 18 event will take place beginning at 9 a.m. at the Whaleyville Recreation Center. The ticket donation of $20 per person includes the buffet breakfast.

Jones said the event will be “a more personal audience” than the prayer breakfast held at the National Guard Armory each year.

Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett will be in attendance, Jones said, and plans to “speak on the impact of the changes that’s coming.”

City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn and School Superintendent Deran Whitney also will be attending, Jones said.

Other topics of conversation at the breakfast will include economic development, education, parks and recreation, health and more, Jones said.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.stpaulheals.org or at the church, 806 Lincoln Ave., or at Stephanie’s Fashion Boutique, 140 W. Washington St.