Health & Human Services
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of HHS is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated plays a significant role in providing it.
Key 2019-2020 Programs
Date: October 10, 2019
Event: Links in Pink "Real Men Wear Pink"
Impact: Increased breast cancer awareness regarding prevention and treatment. Raised over $2,000 to aid breast cancer patients.
The primary objective of the Links in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness and Outreach Initiative is to promote breast cancer awareness and create outreach opportunities for women of Jacksonville and surrounding communities. The goals are to raise awareness in the community regarding risk factors, prevention and treatment, increase access to women's healthcare and create opportunities for breast exams and mammograms for lower-income populations; and to assist with fundraising development efforts to aid breast cancer patients.
The Bold City Chapter Links, Incorporated, Links in Pink "Real Men Wear Pink " is an initiative to fight against breast cancer. The event benefits the American Cancer Society, supporting breast cancer awareness. Connecting Link Nathaniel Ford, Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, was the Celebrity host for this campaign. The event is a party with a purpose. Attendees donated personal contributions to the American Cancer Society. Additionally, a special "Pink" menu and cocktails were available for purchase and a portion of the cost went toward the fundraising campaign. This is the Bold City Chapter’s second year hosting this event.
Date: February 7, 2020
Event: Heart Links
Impact: The Bold City Chapter Links, Incorporated "Heart Links" Initiative is a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Screening Event. An underserved population of senior citizens were provided a day of free heart health screenings to include: cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure checks and body mass index scores. Heart-healthy tips and personal testimonies were shared by two doctors.
Event participants were provided with community resource information and given a healthy snack. There were a total of 50 attendees. 33 screenings were conducted. Following their screenings, participants were provided an individual educational counseling session and review of their health numbers by a registered nurse. Participants left knowing their personal heart health numbers and recommendations on how to maintain good health.
Date: March 7, 2020
Event: Links in Pink in conjunction with the Bold City Chapter’s "Take Charge of Your Future " event. A partnership with Precision Mobile Mammography and Agape Community Health Center.
Impact: Increased access to women's healthcare and an opportunity to receive mammograms -provided 12 complimentary mammograms.