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 H&HS is to promote and facilitate programs supporting good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. 

 

Community education about health risks is crucial, and Farmington Valley (CT) Chapter has been in the forefront with a vast array of projects targeting individuals in our community who have little or no access to health care resources.  Our strategic goal seeks to reduce health disparities focusing on the comorbidity of breast and heart health for women of color, by enhancing opportunities for early breast cancer detection and providing heart health education to a target group.  

 

Our programming includes hosting breast cancer awareness events and providing mammography access. We have partnered with various local hospital groups to promote screening efforts and assist patient navigation through the healthcare system.  Building upon a decade of successful health fairs, we have recently provided a Black women’s wellness expo in Spring 2023 which is expanding into a Black family wellness expo in 2024.