The Youngstown (OH) Chapter of The Links, Inc. will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its signature health initiative, “300 Sisters in Red: Passport to Health 365,” with health screenings, wellness workshops, a keynote speaker and the launch of “Passport to Health 365” to support year-round wellness.
The event, “20 Years of Heartfelt Care: Empowering Heart Health with 300 Sisters in Red,” will take place Saturday, April 5 in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center on the campus of Youngstown State University. The program occurs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Links, Inc. is partnering with Mercy Health Youngstown for the event.
The program is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. For pre-registration and more information, contact Beth Siwula, Community Health Education, Mercy Health Youngstown. Call 330-480-3070 or email el**************@me***.com.
Free parking is available in the M81 lot (accessible from the East and West Bound Service roads) located across from the Watson and Tressel Training Site) on the YSU campus.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Mary Branch, M.D., M.S., who will speak on “African American Women and Heart Disease: What You Should Know at Every Age.”
Branch is a distinguished cardiologist from Greensboro, N.C., with deep roots in Youngstown. She is the daughter of Dr. Virginia “Dee” Banks, M.D., M.B.A., a respected health advocate whose work has shaped the community. Event sponsors say Branch’s and Banks’ shared commitment to health equity makes this event especially meaningful.
“For 20 years, ‘300 Sisters in Red’ has led efforts in education, advocacy, and community outreach to fight heart disease and health disparities,” said Dr. Vicki Haywood Doe, Ph.D., event chair.
“Our mission is to bridge health gaps and promote heart health in our community. This year’s event will be even more impactful, featuring dynamic speakers, free health screenings, wellness workshops, line dancing, a healthy luncheon, and the launch of our ‘Passport to Health 365’ initiative to support year-round wellness.”
The Youngstown (OH) Chapter of The Links, Inc. is part of an international, nonprofit organization founded in 1946 that is dedicated to community service, cultural enrichment, and educational support for individuals of African ancestry.
The Links, Inc. includes more than 17,000 professional women of African descent across 299 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit here.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Breakout sessions
- 8:30-9 a.m. “Mental Health.”
- 9:15-9:45 a.m. “Lifestyle Medicine.”
- 10-11:15 a.m. “Panel Discussion: Empowering Healthy Living in Our Changing Time.”
Move and Groove
- 8:15-9:30 a.m. “Line Dancing with Vicki Doe Fitness.” Dress casually and comfortably.
Free health screenings
Screenings will occur from 8-11 a.m.
- Blood sugar and cholesterol (fasting is not required).
- HIV.
- Blood pressure.
- Body fat/BMI.
- Bone density.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Diabetes-risk assessments.
- Vision.
- Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center 3D Mobile Mammography Van. Pre-registration is required; call 330-480-2763. Sponsors ask that you bring your insurance card(s) and a photo I.D. at the time of your appointment.
- Mercy Health Dental Care Clinics.
Free lunch and keynote speaker
- A light lunch will be served at noon. Keynote: “African American Women and Heart Disease: What You Should Know at Every Age” with Dr. Mary Branch.
Chestnut Room – Kilcawley Center
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