City of Bloomington and IU Health Sponsor Health Screenings at NAACP State Convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 16, 2014

For more information, please contact:

Nancy Woolery, Health Projects Manager, City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, 349.3851

Debra Vance, NAACP State Education Chair, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 812.340.3453

City of Bloomington and IU Health Sponsor Health Screenings at NAACP State Convention

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and IU Health Bloomington are sponsoring a health screening in conjunction with the 2014 NAACP State Convention on Friday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.

Diabetes (A1C), blood pressure and HIV screenings will be provided at no charge to attendees and the general public. Flu shots will be available for $20. No fasting is necessary for the screenings.

The African American population is at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and stroke than other ethnic groups. Preventative health screenings reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and health problems. The screenings provided at the event can detect health problems and encourage those being screened to receive further medical evaluation and care by scheduling an appointment with their family physician.

The convention will be held from Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26. Vendors, exhibitors and workshops on labor, health, Veterans Affairs, political action, environmental climate and justice will be offered.

In addition to the health screenings, a "Soul Food Dinner" will be offered during the Convention as well. This will be a fundraising event for the Monroe County NAACP and will offer both sit-down and carry-out meals. Tickets for the dinner are $20 and must be purchased in advance at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave, by phone at 812.323.3020 or online at [the Box Office website|http://www.bctboxoffice.com].

For more information and to purchase convention tickets, please contact NAACP State Education Chair Debra Vance at 812.340.3453. For more information about the health screening, please contact Health Projects Coordinator Nancy Woolery at 349.3851.

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