ASCENSION SUPPORTS BWA’S
“BECAUSE WE CARE” INITIATIVE
One of the highlights of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.’s 40th Annual Symposium Workshop & Awards Luncheon was the announcement of a $50,000 donation to BWA made by Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Healthcare, Vice President, Ascension, and BWA’s 2017 Health Award recipient.
Ascension, the nation’s largest non-profit health system, is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. The company’s donation will support Because We Care – BWA’s healthcare initiative – which Dr. Maryland praised for the valuable service it provides to the African-American community. “It has been my life’s work to ensure that health care is seen as a universal and fundamental right for all,” she said. “One of my greatest wishes is to achieve a just and inclusive policy of healthcare that leaves no one behind – in our country, and, do we dare dream it – our world.”
The Because We Care initiative was established by BWA in 2014 as a series of free forums that provided Black women across the country with resources and tools to take better care of their loved ones and themselves. Last year, the organization expanded the initiative, introducing “Love Letters,” a critical information template that helps families begin the often-difficult conversation about providing and receiving care. During BWA’s 40th Annual Symposium Workshop, participants were encouraged to explore strategies that would enable them to live their best lives at every age.
“As women, providing care, compassion, and support to our families and loved ones is something that we do almost instinctively,” explained BWA President Gwainevere Catchings Hess. Because We Care reminds us that we must take care of our own physical, mental and emotional health with the same passion and sense of purpose.”
OTHER NEWS
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
This year, as our hearts fill with pride while we celebrate Black History Month, let us also remember to focus on our heart health. And not just on Valentines Day – the entire month of February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and certain minority groups face a greater risk than others. Deaths from heart disease are higher in Black Americans than in White Americans and other ethnic groups, and heart disease develops at a younger age in African Americans.
But, heart disease can often be prevented when people know their risks, make healthy choices and manage their medical conditions. So this month, learn the signs and symptoms and the steps you can take to make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones at https://www.goredforwomen.org
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
According to The American Cancer Society, “Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. But the death rate has not changed much over the last 15 years.” And several studies show that a disproportionate number of women that die each year from cervical cancer are Black women.
The American Cancer Society also stresses the importance of regular screening for the disease, emphasizing that, “Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when successful treatment is likely.
I AM THE CHANGE FORUMS
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. is taking its “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” town hall on the road! Introduced with support from AARP at its 41st Annual Symposium in September 2018, the forum encourages participants to consider where they are and want to be from a financial, educational and health perspective, and to be a catalyst for change for themselves, their families, and communities.
© 2019 The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy