Women and Men: “Celebrating Healthy Hearts” is slated to be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m., at the Genesis Convention Center, One Genesis Plaza, Gary, Indiana. The event is co-sponsored by two, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations: The Black Women Physicians (BWP) Institute, Rose Green Thomas, Ed.D/Ed.S, President/ CEO, and Community HealthNet, Inc., Janet Seabrook, MD/MBA, Executive Director. The Honorary Hosts are Rev. and Mrs. Charles M. Morgan, Pastor, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. The Honorary co-hosts are Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, City of Gary, Rev. Homer Cobb, City of Hammond, Senator Lonnie Randolph and Earl Harris, Jr., City of East Chicago.
This event is planned to attract the interest of both women and men in heart health awareness in the Northwest Region. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States—one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke. Dr. Seabrook stated that although heart diseases kill more women than all cancer incidences combined, many are not aware of the preventative measures and common symptoms. It is imperative that health education and prevention measures are shared widely among the local populations. A new initiative will be launched, the “Million Hearts Campaign” throughout the region to focus on cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
Guest speakers include one of Gary’s very own, Dr. Jessica Williams, Cardiologist (a Horace Mann H. S. graduate), who serves as the BWP National Role Model for Academic Medicine, Dr. Andre’ Artis (invited), world reknown Cardiologist, Merrillville, Indiana, Dr. Patrick Bankston, Associate Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine, Northwest, and others. Community Recognition Awards will be presented to Dr. Angelique D. Brown, Family Practice and Dr. Sandra Gadson, Nephrology.
The “Color is Red” theme is featured throughout the event with health screening, vendor stations, literature handouts, scholarship and awards luncheon, and program featuring clergy and lst lady presentations on promoting healthier lifestyles. The program will conclude with a “parade of spring/summer hats.’’
The scholarship promotes the Dr. Rose M. Green Academic Medicine Scholarship Award geared toward first and second year minority female students enrolled in accredited medical schools who pledge an academic medical career. The 2017 Scholarship awardees will be recognized.
Dr. Thomas pointed out that many health, business, and civic organizations as well as individuals will continue to offer support for this important event. A Call To Action has been issued to all Health Ministries interested in registering to be listed in a free Directory of Health Ministries in Northwest Indiana. Organizations may register online or by U.S. mail: BWP, P. O Box 4502, Gary, IN 46404.
The event admission is $35 per person and table sponsorship is available at various levels of giving. Interested persons may RSVP (219) 616-3912 or email: [email protected].
