News that more Black women die from breast cancer than any other group of women sparked the Hartford Health Initiative to plan a wellness day to encourage women to take steps to spot cancer or other health concerns early.
Hartford HealthCare teams will join other local organizations and the Hartford Health Initiative at the free “Sister 2 Sister: A Health and Wellness Day,” on Saturday, August 6, from noon to 4 p.m., at Swift Factory, 10 Love Lane, Hartford.
“My motivation for this event was learning that Black women weren’t diagnosed the most with breast cancer but died the most from the disease,” said Chavon Hamilton-Burgess, founder of the Hartford Health Initiative. “I knew my organization had to leverage our partnerships in the community to create awareness among a diverse group of Black women.”
This plan, she said, led her to approach “non-traditional” partners, including Black women who run various small businesses in the community.
“My hope is that this event provides education and awareness for people attending, and creates a level of urgency for public health, health and advocacy organizations to mobilize to address this disparity,” she said.
The Neighborhood Health team will have blood pressure and glucose screenings for those who attend. Mobile mammography also will be available.
The family-friendly event will include music, food, a bouncy house, face painting, performances by the Hartford Proud Dance and Drum Team, Ice Cream for a Dream, backpacks with school supplies, and raffles.
