CBCF BLACK HEALTH EMPOWERMENT TOUR HEADS TO CHARLOTTE
Congressman Melvin L. Watt and Others Help Families Combine Fitness,
Food and Fun

WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), along with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and UnitedHealth Group, will bring its Black Health Empowerment Project (BHEP) Tour to Charlotte from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at the Stratford Richardson YMCA, 1946 West Boulevard. The free event will include breakfast and lunch.

BHEP is a national health initiative created and produced by CBCF to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases. The project brings civic leaders, health experts and communities 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.”

“Almost a fifth of black teens in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools are at risk for becoming overweight and a third of African-American adults in the area are overweight, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Rep. Melvin L. Watt (D-N.C.),| who will participate in the event. “BHEP gives Charlotte families an opportunity to learn about important health issues, speak with experts and explore available resources within our community.”

The event has two components: a healthy living forum and a health and fitness expo. During the afternoon expo, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., participants will enjoy cooking and fitness demonstrations and obtain free health screenings. Exhibitors will also provide information on topics ranging from diabetes and hypertension to stress reduction and weight management. In recognition of Father’s Day, there will be a special Men’s Zone to address specific male health concerns.

“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 BHEP 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 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.”

To increase obesity awareness, the tour has visited Houston, Brooklyn, Detroit, Atlanta, St. Thomas, V.I., and elsewhere during the past two years. The program will be in Milwaukee on July 14 as well as a part of the CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference, set for September 24-27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Visit www.cbcfinc.org or www.bheptour.org for additional information about the Black Health Empowerment Project.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. (CBCF) was established in 1976 as a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.