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Rep. Kendrick B. Meek and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to hold
daylong event to raise awareness of public health crisis
MIAMI, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Congressman Kendrick B. Meek and the
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), in collaboration with
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, will launch the Black Health Empowerment Project,
a local, community-based obesity education and health-promotion initiative
designed to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity
and chronic health conditions. A daylong event will be held on January 28,
2006 at Miamis Joseph Caleb Center to bring together civic leaders, health
experts and members of the community to discuss this growing public health
crisis. The event is free and open to the public.
"An estimated 61% of African American men and 77% of African American
women are overweight or obese. That is a startling statistic that can no
longer be ignored," said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek, the U.S. Representative
from Floridas 17th Congressional district. "The Black Health Empowerment
Program is a solid first step in addressing this public health crisis and
developing effective solutions for our families."
The interactive format of the health event will include complimentary
nutritious foods, cooking demonstrations, exercise and fitness segments, and
fun activities for kids. A host of exhibitors will provide free health
screenings and vital information to attendees on topics such as HIV/AIDS, high
cholesterol, and hypertension.
"Out of the many activities the CBCF undertakes, community outreach at the
grassroots level is the most rewarding," said Dr. Don I. Tharpe, President and
CEO of the CBCF. "The BHEP event will provide a wonderful opportunity for
families to enjoy themselves while learning to live healthy lifestyles."
The BHEP initiative signals a partnership between the public and private
sectors -- a collaboration that is crucial to fighting the obesity epidemic.
Included among the experts speaking at the event will be celebrity chef Morgan
Nims of Britto Restaurant in Miami Beach and nutritionist Rovenia "Dr. Ro"
Brock, PhD, author of Dr. Ros Ten Secrets to Livin Healthy.
"We must all be committed to improving the health of our communities, and
the BHEP initiative is a perfect example of that commitment," said Rich
Buckley, Vice President of Government Affairs for AstraZeneca. "AstraZeneca
is dedicated to providing individuals with the information and tools that will
empower families to take charge of their health."
The event will be held at the Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22nd Avenue,
Miami from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is the third of its kind, part of
the CBCFs Collective Power Tour, which is expected to make stops in other
major cities across the country.
General Mills joins AstraZeneca as a key sponsor of the event. Miami-Dade
County Commissioner Audrey Edmondson will join Rep. Kendrick B. Meek as a lead
host.
For additional information about this BHEP event or to register call
(866) 447-7103 or visit the CBCF website at http://www.cbcfinc.org. The CBCF,
established in 1976, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and
educational institute focused on leadership education, public health, economic
development, and African globalism.
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