The LaGrange Chapter of The Links Incorporated will host its Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Mike Daniel Recreation Center located at 1220 Lafayette Pkwy. in LaGrange. Its focus is to address health and economic disparities that impact Black families while promoting intergenerational long-term wellness. The Black Family Wellness Expo is free to the public, with no registration or fee to participate.
Organizers described a local landscape shaped by food insecurity, chronic disease and uneven access to preventative care in rural areas. Based on data collected by The Links, elementary school children are the primary demographic when discussing food disparities, as most students rely heavily on school meals. “Right now, we’re noticing trends showing that our children, particularly the elementary school children, are suffering from food disparities. You know, the only meal that they get per day is usually in school,” said Linette Horris Ward, the president of the LaGrange Chapter of the Links. Organizers also noticed that, in addition to the food disparities, several medical issues are trending in the community.
According to organizers, the medical issues most noticed in the community revolve around kidney disease/failure, hypertension, and a large portion of the community runs risks of heart disease and congestive heart failure, all of which are deadly if not closely monitored. Horris Ward also noted that food imbalances among adults can contribute to these health risks. She says that most health-related risks begin with a diabetes diagnosis, and without monitoring or maintaining a healthy diet, can lead to more severe problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
The expo, in its third year, will host several healthcare providers across fields, from dental care to <a href="https://lumeamara.online/?p=4829" title="Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: interim report”>mental health care. The providers will offer screenings, lead demonstrations and share resources aimed at helping attendees understand their health and to help prevent health risks. The local connections will create opportunities for community members to access the care they need by introducing them to the appropriate specialists. The Atlanta Veterans Administration Healthcare Systems’ Nursing Education Department will also provide screenings and services to attendees. Organizers also stated that free mental health and dental screenings will be provided during the event. “We hope that community members will walk away with some additional knowledge concerning their healthcare and strategies that will allow them to make lifestyle changes that will decrease their overall health risks moving forward,” said Dr. Connie Hampton, chair of the Health and Human Services facet for the LaGrange Chapter.
Community partners for the event include AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, Black K.A.R.E., the National Kidney Foundation, Communities in Schools, Joy Inside Tears, Renew Infusion and Wellness, Countryside Dental, Roots to Branches Psychological and Wellness Services, and the American Heart Association, among others. These community partners will also be on hand to provide information about their organizations. Healthy snacks will be available throughout the event, along with children’s games and giveaways for attendees.
