The Charlottesville Women's Health Event shows differences and prevention

Charlottesville, Virginia (WVIR) – Women were able to carry out a health examination on Saturday, July 19th in the Mount Zion First African Baptist Church in Charlottesville.

The event focused on making health differences, especially for black women, and provisions more accessible.

“We are often so busy to take care of everyone else that we don't take the time to take care of ourselves,” said Jacklene Martin, Uva Health Director for Community and health authorization.

Now women take this time.

The UVA Health and the African American art and cultural group Chihamba organized a wellness event to arrange for more women for demonstrations, investigations and discussions about their health.

Martin helped organize the event and she said it was open to everyone, but the message of black women was critical.

“Look at the data,” said Martin. “The data is very clear. Black women either have the worst results when we have a kind of illness, or we are diagnosed late.”

Doctor Joann Pinkerton, director of the Midlife Center from UVA, says culture plays a major role in the question of whether women feel comfortable to look for care.

“In different cultures you have to learn what your risks are and what steps you have to take,” said Dr. Pinkerton.

It can even be the first step towards healing through health, says Pinkerton.

“Sometimes we encourage you to make this appointment and then keep the appointment if you can just talk about it,” said Pinkerton.

When women are trained, pink tone also benefit.

“If we could raise women and take this information back to their family and friends and their community, it will really start to improve the health of our community,” we need that, “said Pinkerton.

That is the goal of such events. Experts therefore spread knowledge, build trust and make women's health priority.

“You know what your numbers are and address them before you have a kind of crisis,” said Martin. “It's just an important thing for us.”

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