CBCF BLACK HEALTH EMPOWERMENT TOUR VISITS ST. THOMAS

ST. THOMAS, V.I. – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, in collaboration with UnitedHealth Group and the USVI Lifestyle Festival, will bring its Black Health Empowerment Project (BHEP) Tour to the city on Saturday, July 21, 2007. The Health Empowerment Day will take place at Tutu Park Mall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

BHEP is a national health initiative created and produced to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases. Its purpose is to bring civic leaders, health experts and community together to discuss practical strategies for reversing this public health crisis affecting adults and youth. The tour’s theme is “Eat, Move and Test for Health.”

Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen (U.S. Virgin Islands) is scheduled to speak during the event. AMVI radio personality Lee Vanterpool will serve as master of ceremonies.

The interactive community health event will consist of an opening kick-off segment and a health and fitness fair. Throughout the day, participants will obtain free health screenings, enjoy cooking and fitness demonstrations, and receive consultations and information from medical, nutrition and fitness experts. Exhibitors will also provide information on topics ranging from weight management to stress reduction. Children and families can enjoy activities such as face painting, a puppeteer, fitness games, and an appearance by Dora the Explorer. Lifestyle Festival Concert artists Dion Parson, Miki Howard, and the Fonics will sign autographs during the health expo.

“Too many African American men, women, and children are suffering from obesity-related diseases and health conditions,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., the foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “Many of the conditions are preventable if we take a more active role in watching our diets, engaging in physical activity, understanding our genetic history and getting periodic health screenings. We know that through the Black Health Empowerment Project we can have a positive impact on the health of individuals who participate in the activities.”

St. Thomas is the 2007 BHEP tour’s fourth stop; the first was in Brooklyn, N.Y.; the second was in Detroit; and the third was in Atlanta on June 30. The obesity awareness tour is also set to visit Dallas and New Orleans later this year. To pre-register for an upcoming BHEP event, call (888) 353-BHEP (2437). Visit www.cbcfinc.org or www.bheptour.org for additional information about the Black Health Empowerment Project.

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute intended to help improve the socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.