Unfortunately, African-Americans tend to have higher rates of developing many chronic diseases. Some of the most threatening include: lung cancer, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease.
Through education and continued awareness, there have been many strides in overcoming these diseases, but they continue to ravage Black communities. Some health experts believe that people have a good understanding of what these diseases are all about, but more needs to be done on how to lower and eventually alleviate these disparities.
Joining that fight in increasing awareness is Indiana Black Expo, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Together they are hosting the INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair July 14 through 17.
There, participants will have access to more than $1,000 worth of free screenings. Jackie Cissell, assistant director of strategic initiatives for the Division of Aging, a department within FSSA, said that due to the tough economic climate, this is the perfect opportunity for the entire family to check the status of their health for free.
“Last year we had people that we sent straight to the hospital because their blood pressure was off the charts. There was also a cancer diagnosis,” said Cissell. “This has been a great way for us to catch things and get people straightened out…hopefully change their lives.”
Antoniette Holt, director of the Office of Minority Health, Indiana State Department of Health, added that this is also a wonderful opportunity for the medical community to reach a population that often goes underserved.
Screenings include: bone density, vision, dental, kidney disease, lupus, blood pressure, cancer, cholesterol and HIV/AIDS among others. The “One Stop, One Stick” blood screening will help make screenings easy and painless.
“This health fair helps make people aware of what their numbers are and gives them the tools to become their own advocate,” said Holt. “We provide follow up to a certain point, but once you leave the health fair, it’s up to you.”
In an effort to accommodate specific groups, opening night of the INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair is devoted to senior citizens and people with disabilities.
“We wanted to have a special night for them where they’d be a little more comfortable so that they can get the screenings they need,” said Cissell.
Buses will be available to transport seniors and those with disabilities. To find out the pick-up points, call (317) 233-1325 or visit www.in.gov/isdh.
In addition to the health fair, there will be other health related information, activities, demonstrations, health experts and special guests. During the Diabetes Academy people can learn creative ways to prevent diabetes and how to better manage the disease; see a cooking demonstration by chef Dana Herbert, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss”, or become motivated by Yolanda Adams and special guests during their “Gift of Health” segment.
“Sometimes we’re afraid, but we can’t be afraid to know if something’s going wrong,” said Cissell. “If we could prevent some things from blowing up and becoming a real systemic problem throughout the body, then that’s going to be best for everybody.”
For more information about the Black and Minority Health Fair or other Summer Celebration events, call (317) 925-2702 or visit www.indianablackexpo.com.
