The spread of COVID-19 and its variants the past two years disproportionately affected underserved communities of color with dreadful and often deadly impact, especially on people with underlying chronic medical conditions. As the pandemic shows signs of abating, the challenges of underlying health conditions and access to quality healthcare remain in these hard-hit communities.
FIBCO Family Services, Inc. (FIBCO) will host a day of community healthcare engagement focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on communities of color and other underserved individuals and families. Topics on underlying conditions affecting heart and brain health will be discussed.
In partnership with key healthcare providers such as Banner Health, Dignity Health, and Mayo Clinic, as well as advocate organizations such as the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Association and the City of Phoenix, the day of health and wellness activities will be held on the campus of First Institutional Baptist Church, located at 1141 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ. Portions of the event will also be available via live streaming.
“There is a direct link between heart health and brain health, and African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately affected by both heart disease and various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Memory Specialist Dr. Danielle Goldfarb, dual-board certified Neurologist and Psychiatrist at the Banner Cleo Roberts Memory Center. “Focusing on heart health through lifestyle approaches such as physical activity, nutrition, and improving stress, especially in early and mid-life, can decrease the risk of dementia by 40%.”
“With heart disease the leading cause of death, but preventable 80% of the time, it’s important we target our outreach to the most vulnerable communities where we see the greatest disparities in care,” says Dr. Rachel M. Bond, Board-Certified Preventive Cardiologist on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association of Greater Phoenix, and System Director of the Women’s Heart Health Program at Dignity Health in Arizona. “Our goal for this event is to empower members of these communities to understand their overall risk factors and provide them the tools to focus on a heart and brain healthy lifestyle to combat any risks.”
The Community Heart – Brain Health Fair will offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines via the City of Phoenix mobile unit. Additionally offered will be interactive education and awareness workshops led by well renowned physicians, clinicians and body and mental health experts. There will also be on-site screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and weight/body mass index. Moreover, dance, exercise, and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing, along with healthy food preparation and eating will be available. Take home gifts and prizes will be given to foster improved home self-care as well as better access to quality affordable healthcare by providers. Daylong activities will be held safely indoors, outdoors, and virtual.
“We are encouraging the targeted communities of the undeserved people of color to come and experience the benefits of this collaborative effort of healthcare providers and advocate organizations to serve them,” says Ernie Urquhart FIBCO COO & Board Chair.
Community Heart – Brain Health Fair
1141 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
Saturday, April 30, 2022
COVID-19 testing and vaccines: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Health and Wellness Activities: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
All day free and open to all!
Registration open at www.easthillmedia.com/fibco-health and www.vincerecancer.com for testing and vaccines.
Media contact: Ernie Urquhart at [email protected] or (415)-713-9135
For further information contact us at: [email protected]