The Links, Inc., a women’s service organization, hosted its third annual Black Family Wellness Expo at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. This event focused on promoting health in physical, mental, and financial aspects for Black families. Adrienne Davis, president of the North Shore chapter of The Links, emphasizes that this Expo is part of a nationwide effort, with similar events occurring across the country.
This year, the North Shore Links collaborated with the Harbor Lights Links from Waukegan. Their commitment to serving the local community remains strong. Davis expressed their goal: "We wanted to serve the Evanston and North Shore communities."
At the Expo, various health-related nonprofits participated. Notable partners included organizations like the Gift of Hope, which advocates for organ donation, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, among others. These partnerships aim to address the holistic well-being of attendees. Davis noted, "It takes everything to make a person whole…mental health, as well as physical and financial."
Participants enjoyed a range of free services and resources, including health screenings, yoga classes, and nutritious food offerings. One especially popular session was “Financial Basics for Everyone,” which covered essential topics like budgeting and improving credit scores.
Dr. Crystal Clark, a member of The Links and a key organizer, highlighted a critical issue: access to healthcare is a significant barrier for the Black community. She mentioned that mistrust in the medical system adds to the challenge. Recent data supports this; a study by the American Medical Association showed that 57% of Black adults reported experiences of discrimination in healthcare settings.
However, Clark believes in the power of community action to overcome these barriers. "The more we do together, the better it will get," she stated.
In addition to the wealth of information provided at the Expo, the group aims to empower women and girls. Davis explained, "If you make women stronger, you make the family stronger." The Expo serves as a valuable platform to enhance awareness and access to health resources throughout the Chicagoland and North Shore area.
Overall, the Black Family Wellness Expo represents a vital step forward in addressing health inequities while promoting unity and strength in the community.
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