Thirty churches in the Los Angeles area participated in the 6th Annual Walgreens-sponsored First Ladies Health Day on March 26.
During the event, free health tests and medical screenings were provided for the entire family to address preventative illnesses, which disproportionately affect African Americans and Hispanics. Medical healthcare partners from Walgreens and more than 50 health organizations provided medical advice and counseling, as well as screenings for hypertension, HIV/AIDS, glucose, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and certain forms of cancer.
In addition, participating churches received Certificates of Special Recognition from Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Karen Bass.
The First Ladies Health Initiative (FLHI) is a consortium of more than 160 pastors’ wives from churches across the nation, along with various public and private health-related organizations. This national organization involves more than 900 healthcare providers and volunteers working together to address and combat HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other serious illnesses pummeling underserved and minority communities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 32 African-American women and one in 16 African-American men will be diagnosed with HIV; with incidents of hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and other systemic illnesses epidemic in African-American and Hispanic communities.
“Our goal is to empower communities of color to proactively take control of their health and wellness,” said Tracey Alston, FLHI executive director.
For more information, visit www.FirstLadiesHealth.com or call (312) 470-0270.
