Since 1951, the Detroit chapter of the Links, Incorporated has been devoted to strengthening African American communities through fundraising, education, advocacy, and volunteering.
On Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., the organization’s vision will be on full display as they host the Black Family Wellness Expo at Second Ebenezer Church, located at 14601 Dequindre Rd. in Detroit. The expo will feature health screenings, voter registration, music, giveaways, resources and education about community health groups, and other family fun activities.
The Detroit event is being hosted in conjunction with the Links, Incorporated, Black Family Wellness Expos taking place on Saturday across the country, all with the goal of reducing disparities in health care in Black communities.
“Come join us for a day filled with health, wellness, and community at our in-person event. Whether you’re looking to learn about fitness, nutrition, mental health, or family bonding, we’ve got you covered,” organizers say. “Meet experts, attend workshops, and discover resources to support your family’s well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your family’s health and happiness.”
Information will be provided on a variety of health concerns, including cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease, pre-natal and newborn issues, dental care, dementia, and mental health awareness and resources.
According to the Office of Minority Health, part of the Department for Health and Human Services, compared to their white counterparts, African Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza, and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. That makes opportunities like the Black Health Expo even more of a priority for Black people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also stated that Black Americans are more likely to die at early ages for all causes, as young African Americans are living with diseases that are typically more common at older ages for other races. For example:
- High blood pressure is common in 12% vs. 10% of blacks vs. whites aged 18-34 years, respectively. It is common in 33% vs. 22% of those aged 35-49 years, respectively.
- Diabetes is common in 10% of blacks aged 35-49 compared to 6% of whites.
- Stroke is present in 0.7% of blacks aged 18-34 compared to 0.4% of whites the same age. Stroke is common in 2% of African Americans compared to 1% of whites aged 35-49 and 7% vs. 4%, respectively, in those aged 50-64.
Additionally, the CDC has said that social factors compared to others in the U.S., specifically whites, affect African Americans at younger ages. These factors include unemployment, living in poverty, not owning a home, cost-prohibitive effects of trying to see a doctor, smoking, inactive lifestyle, or obesity.
All these issues and more will be addressed during this critically important health expo.
The Links, Incorporated is an international service organization with more than 14,000 professional women in 281 chapters, located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Founded in Philadelphia, PA in 1946, it is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
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