CBCF BLACK HEALTH EMPOWERMENT TOUR HEADS TO DETROIT

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Radio Personality Frankie Darcell and Others Help Families Combine Fitness, Food and Fun

DETROIT – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, in collaboration with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, will bring its Black Health Empowerment Project (BHEP) Tour to the city on Saturday, June 16, 2007. The event is free and open to the public and will take place at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

BHEP is a national health initiative created and produced to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases. Its purpose is to bring civic leaders, health experts and community together to discuss practical strategies for reversing this public health crisis affecting adults and youth. The tour’s theme is “Eat, Move and Test for Health.”

“Healthy children and families mean stronger communities. We must work together to improve the health of families in Detroit and the region,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, the congresswoman from Detroit and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. “The Black Health Empowerment Tour gives families an opportunity to learn about important health issues, speak with experts and explore available resources. Participants will learn how to make positive food and fitness choices fun activities for the entire family. They will be empowered to make informed decisions about their health that can affect their families – and our community – for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Kilpatrick and Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick are set to speak during the event. WMXD-FM (92.3) personality Frankie Darcell will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The interactive community health event consists of two components: a healthy living forum and a health and fitness expo. Medical, nutrition and fitness experts will share information and advice during the forum from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. During the expo, participants will enjoy cooking and fitness demonstrations and obtain free health screenings from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Exhibitors will also provide information on topics ranging from diabetes and hypertension to stress reduction and weight management. Children and families can enjoy activities such as face painting, balloon art, Double Dutch jump rope and fitness games.

“Too many African American men, women, and children are suffering from obesity-related diseases and health conditions,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., the foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “Many of the conditions are preventable if we take a more active role in watching our diets, engaging in physical activity, understanding our genetic history and getting periodic health screenings. We know that through the Black Health Empowerment Project we can have a positive impact on the health of individuals who participate in the activities.”

The BHEP initiative signals a partnership between the public and private sectors – a collaboration that is crucial to fighting the obesity epidemic. BlackWomensHealth.com is a program partner, and WMXD and the Michigan Chronicle/Michigan Front Page are media partners. Community partners include the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, Detroit Branch NAACP and the Youth Development Commission, a local nonprofit organization that strengthens the capacity of youth-serving organizations.

“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.”

Detroit is the 2007 BHEP tour’s second stop; the first was in Brooklyn, N.Y. in February. The obesity awareness tour is also set to visit Atlanta; St. Thomas, V.I.; Cleveland and Dallas this year. To pre-register for an upcoming event, call (888) 353-BHEP (2437). Visit www.cbcfinc.org or www.bheptour.org for additional information about the Black Health Empowerment Project.

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute intended to help improve the socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.