Families of African American descent had the opportunity to meet with an array of health resources under one roof, thanks to the Portland Chapter of The Links, Inc., an international service organization. The organization held its first Black Family Wellness Expo at the Warner Pacific campus this month, in an effort to reduce health and economic disparities and to improve lives in the Black community.
As one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer organizations in the country, The Links, Inc., is comprised of professional women of color who are committed to lifting up the cultural and economic well being of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry who are frequently underserved. More than 15,000 professional women of color in 285 chapters across the country are a part of The Links, Inc., – and the Portland Chapter features two prominent WPU leaders: our own Shemeka Barnes-Johnson, First Lady to WPU President Brian Johnson; and Sylvia Welch, Director on the WPU Board of Trustees!
In addition to the event at WPU, Black Family Wellness Expos were held across the country during the month of March, at various chapters of The Links, Inc. Here at WPU, families gathered at McGuire Auditorium to access ways to maintain good health, eliminate chronic health disparities, and discover health resources and community education. The event included such organizations as The Black Parent Initiative, Multnomah County Health Department, AARP, Providence Health, CareOregon, Kaiser Permanente, Big Village PDX, POIC + RAHS (Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center + Rosemary Anderson High School), and Warner Pacific’s own Nursing Program, among others.
Mrs. Shemeka Johnson welcomed everyone to the day’s festivities, which included live exercise classes, dances, panel discussions, and a family fun zone in addition to health resources. Guests also received screenings and information for rapid HIV and Hep C testing; kidney disease screening, blood pressure screening, mental and behavioral health resources, caregiver resources for family members with dementia, voter registration, and flu/COVID vaccines.
WPU is honored to be a convening partner to the Portland Chapter of The Links, Inc., and of all groups who are committed to serving the Kingdom of God and the good of the community!