Free health screenings, a community baby shower and health information forums are among the Dayton events happening in April as part of so-called National Minority Health Month.
The month's events kicked off last week at the Neon Theatre, with a Dayton Council on Health Equity gathering aimed at promoting health improvement and awareness in Miami Valley communities of color.
Cheryl Scroggins, community coordinator for the council, says minorities often have different needs and face additional social issues when it comes to health and access to health care.
Many health disparities, Scroggins says, "are community and environment-based or system-based"
"What we’re doing locally is always continuing the conversation that health disparities do exist, why they exist, what the barriers are, and how we can work together to collaborate as a community to increase awareness of the various barriers, and also to help people become advocates for their own best health.”
Scroggins says Montgomery County has a rich history of working with the community to increase and improve the health of its residents. You can find a list of local, upcoming minority health events at thePublic Health Dayton and Montgomery County website.
The opening event on April 7 also included a showing of film “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and a panel discussion about Lacks’ contributions in medicine.
More information on upcoming events provided by Public Health Dayton And Montgomery County:
Community Baby Shower
Saturday, April 14, 2018, Noon - 2:00 pm, Dakota Center, 33 Barnett St., Dayton
A free community event for moms, dads, caregivers, and families.
It’s all about having a healthy baby. There will be food and screenings, with
vendors sharing information about access to health, housing, education,
and more. Child care will be available along with raffle prizes.
Community Forum on Infant Mortality
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Central State University Dayton Campus
840 Germanton St., Dayton
Join us as we discuss what can be done to reduce the number of babies dying in our community.
Event includes a free light meal, free $10 gift card, health screenings and more.
RSVP by April 17 to
All Minority Health Month events are free and open to the public. The full calendar of events is located on Public Health’s website at www.phdmc.org.
Funding for Minority Health Month events is provided by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health with special thanks to Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
For more information, call (937) 225-5700.