Recently, 35 first ladies (or pastors’ wives) opened the doors of their respective churches to provide free health screenings and medical tests to detect preventable, systemic illnesses — such as hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain forms of cancer — which have a higher prevalence in African-American and Latino communities.
Through the First Ladies Health Initiative, sponsored by Walgreens, thousands of men, women and children participated in First Ladies Health Day at houses of worship representing all denominations.
The 2016 season kicked off in Los Angeles on April 9, with a press conference; and on April 10, First Ladies Health Day, hosted by first ladies who represent congregations of more than 10,000 people across the city. Together, they utilized their collective influence to stage a citywide health takeover, directing their communities to get tested, know their health status and actively participate in wellness programs.
Participating health partners and volunteers for First Ladies Health Day included Walgreens pharmacists, AltaMed, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Diabetes Association, bioLytical Laboratories and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation,, CareMore, Cedars-Sinai, City of Hope, and Susan G. Komen®.
For more information on the First Ladies Health Day in Los Angeles or a full list of participating churches and their First Ladies, call (213) 394-0844.