Residents of the Queen City Towers in New Rochelle will be treated on Monday to some tasty soul food with a healthy twist and lively music, along with screenings for diabetes, HIV and heart disease when they join their neighbors for a community Health Jam at 11 am.
Hosted by African American Men of Westchester, Inc., the organization has brought eight Health Jams to municipal housing buildings in New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers since November 2007. Their efforts have been supported by the Westchester County Department of Health, New Rochelle, Yonkers and White Plains housing authorities, Westchester Medical Center and local and community medical partners.
Produced with a festive flair, Health Jams merge health fairs and family day cookouts into one event. Health screenings, health education and favorite foods with a healthy twist are all on the bill. And of course, it wouldn’t be a jam without some music.
For their unique concept and success in reaching more than 700 residents at these events, the African American Men of Westchester will be honored by the Westchester County Board of Health and presented with the 2009 Distinguished Public Health Service Award at 50 Sickles Ave.
The award ceremony and Health Jam also kicks off National Public Health Week in Westchester County. County Executive Andy Spano, Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Westchester County Health Commissioner and Douglas Aspros, DVM, President of the Westchester County Board of Health, will congratulate the winner and thank the county’s community partners for their help in protecting and improving the health of Westchester’s residents. Mack Carter, health committee chairman for the African American Men of Westchester, Inc. is expected to accept the award on behalf of the organization.
If you plan on attending take some pictures and file a report here next week.