Health: Women of Pearls CAF is committed to closing the gap in health disparities by working collaboratively in the communities we serve to increase wellness and healthcare access. We promote healthy living and partner with organizations aimed at achieving health equity.
Our Key Focus Areas include:
1) Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention- Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? Death rates of breast cancer in women are only second to lung cancer in the US. In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in Black women and Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer. (www.breastcancer.org)
WOPCAF aims to provide education about breast cancer prevention and resources for free mammogram screening for underserved and/or underinsured members of our community.
2) Heart Health- Heart disease is the leading cause of non-cancer deaths of men and women in the United States. One person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. (www.cdc.gov).
WOPCAF is committed to providing education about heart health to our service area and encouraging improved cardiovascular fitness through participation in regular physical activity.
3) Health and Wellness- “Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food (Hippocrates).” We recognize that having adequate nutrition over the lifespan (prenatal, childhood, and adulthood) is integral to good health.
WOPCOF provides opportunities for education regarding appropriate nutrition and its importance in preventing disease.
4) Care for the Caregivers- “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors (Tia Walker).” We recognize the difficulties that arise in caregiving and aim to support those who find themselves in this role.
WOPCAF provides access to resources to aid caregivers with their roles, to lessen their burden, and to provide respite.
5) COVID 19 The novel coronal virus, COVID 19, has disproportionately affected communities of color. This is in part due to glaring health care disparities that lead to and are associated with higher risk comorbidities including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
WOPCAF aims to conduct its business with the safety of our communities in mind. To that end, our events will be held virtually whenever and where possible. We encourage following appropriate safety protocols including masking, handwashing, and social-distancing as well as keeping up with the ever-changing trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic.
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