In 2010, The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of HHS is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources.

Student Experiences and Community Engagement Activities

  • A local chef helped the students, who were working in small groups, prepare a healthy dinner. Cooking stations and equipment were brought in for the students to use.
  • NAMI AACT-NOW (National Association of Mental Illness African American outreach program) provided two workshops on coping with stress, trauma and loss, the signs of depression and a review of mental health careers. They also differentiated between self-esteem and self-concept.
  • Students will develop a business plan for a “Shark Tank” contest that will address solving health disparities through business opportunities in the African American community

 

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