On Saturday September 20, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper in partnership with Brothers United Inc., a non-profit agency that provides high quality, comprehensive prevention and service programs targeting the LGBT population, will host the Community Health and Wellness Fair. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, located at 50 W Fall Creek Parkway North in the IFC (Indy Fall Creek) building. Sponsors of the Community Health and Wellness Fair include Brothers United Inc, Eskenazi Health, and Ivy Tech Community College.
“We recognize the importance of education when it comes to positively impacting the health and wellness of African-Americans.” said Recorder President Shannon Williams. “This fair is our way to educate our community and provide them with vital resources.”
The health issues currently affecting the African-American community versus other racial/ethnic groups are significant in number. Life expectancy is greatly affected due to astounding rates of obesity, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. According to the National Partnership for Health to End Health Disparities, many of the underlying risk factors that contribute to health disparities are the result of where we live, learn, work and play. These factors, commonly called “social determinants of health,” interact to impact health and contribute to health disparities.
“The seeking of treatment for certain issues has long been stigmatized,” said Williams. “Our job as a community entity is to meet people where they are and assist them in making positive, impactful decisions about health and wellness. We think this event is a great step in the right direction.”
The fair will feature a host of vendors, free OraQuick HIV testing and health screenings, as well as live cooking demos from Ivy Tech’s culinary arts students. Local community leaders and activists will participate in a panel discussion titled ‘A Community Disease’ where the exponential effects of a positive HIV diagnosis on the entire community will be discussed. City-County Council President, Maggie Lewis and other local notables will also be on hand competing in a Celebrity Fit Challenge.
For more information contact Ebony Chappel at ebonyc@indianapolisrecorder.com or (317) 924-5143
