On Sunday, September 18, BLKHLTH and TRAP Medicine hosted “The Link Up,” a health, wellness, and culture fest at Regency West in Leimert Park. The event was from 1-6pm and featured vendors, health screenings, free Cottonelle and BLKHLTH Good Down There at-home colorectal cancer screening kits, and more.
There were also live DJ sets from DJ Iesha Irene and DJ R-Tistic as well as a plethora of black vendors, giveaways, a mental health corner, and free food.
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a form of cancer that affects the colon or rectum, which is part of the digestive system. It is the third most common cancer in the United States that affects both male and female. Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, blood in feces, abdominal pain and bloating, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and more. Receiving regular screening is vital to preventing colon cancer and finding it early.
“The Link Up” is a health equity fair and celebration to provide Black Los Angeles with various health resources and screenings. This also raises awareness to the fact that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer with a 40 percent higher death rate. African Americans are at a much higher risk due to systematic racial disparities such as the lack of resources, income, and education about cancer. The GoodDownThere program is a partnership with Cottonelle and BLKHLTH to address the stigma associated with Black health and advocate for Black people receiving access to vital health education and means.
BLKHLTH is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that challenges and engages racism and its impact on health through education and action. This work is executed through workshops and trainings, practice-based consulting, community health events, and digital media. BLKHLTH hosts an array of events targeted to promote Black mental and physical health. Events include conversations regarding health matters with medical professionals, such as stress, COVID-19, reproductive health and justice, and disparities in the Black community.
TRAP Medicine is a public health movement that is powered by education, engagement, and equity. TRAP is currently building a network of barbershops in South L.A. for men to access medical and mental health services for free. TRAP will provide barbershops with the tools to have conversations with customers about health, mental health, disease prevention, and more.
If you or someone you know are experiencing any colorectal cancer symptoms, you can reach out to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance at (877) 422-2030.ance at (877) 422-2030
For more information on BLKHLTH, visit: https://www.blkhlth.com/
For more information of the GoodDownThere program, visit: https://www.blkhlth.com/gooddownthere-3 and https://www.cottonelle.com/en-us/good-down-there
For more information on TrapMedicine, visit: https://www.trapmedicine.org
LA Sentinel interviewed CEO and Founder of TRAP Medicine, Jahmil Lacey. To read this article, visit: https://lasentinel.net/trap-medicine-will-pilot-barbershop-wellness-hub-for-black-and-brown-men.html
