The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services (HHS) 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.
The Morris County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated recognizes the importance of responding to chronic health disparities impacting the African-American community and members of the African diaspora. With the direction of The National Links, we have aligned the Health and Human Services (HHS) facet to provide greater resources to eliminate health disparities in communities of color.
Every year in September, the Morris County Links partner with the Morristown Community to host a “Community Health Day.” The health day begins with a 1.3 mile walkathon and the event also includes free in-person health screenings and health education to people in the Morris County, NJ community. Our Chapter has also partnered with the African-American Wellness Coalition for “Women’s Night Out,” that features panel presentations by healthcare professionals, survivor testimonials, games and prizes. In addition, the chapter has partnered with the Pi Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for the “Pink Goes Red: Heart Health Matters” program which highlights women’s heart health facts, line dancing and prizes.
The Morris County Links also promotes greater health through the following initiatives:
- Mental Health Awareness
- Thanksgiving turkey donation
- Walk for a Healthy Living Walk-A-Thon
- Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Future
- 75M Steps