Health and Human Services
Overview
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services 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. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated plays a significant role in providing it.
Programs
Heart Links Signature Programming
HeartLinks encourages Links members and the communities we serve to take an aggressive stance against heart disease, the number one killer of African-American women. HeartLinks accomplishes its goal by equipping our members with numerous ways to implement heart healthy programs and activities in their communities including: Walk for a Healthy Living Program, Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program, and Red Dress events.
Linkages to Life Signature Programming
Organ, Tissue and Bone Marrow Donation Awareness Signature Program Linkages to Life was established in response to the health disparities in organ, eye, and tissue (including bone marrow) transplantation. Our goal is to decrease disparities in donor registration and transplantation in the African American community. Our members work to increase the number of registered donors through community-based events and multi-media awareness campaigns. In partnership with the national organization Donate Life America, we strive to register hundreds of donors each year.
Health Equity Ambassador Program
The Links, Incorporated and the American Cancer Society have worked together to address cancer disparities and drive health equity in all communities touched by cancer. Through the Health Equity Ambassador program,we seek to eradicate inequities and reduce cancer screening disparities through community outreach and education. Ambassadors receive training and ongoing support to effectively provide outreach and education related to breast and colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. The work of ambassadors aligns with evidence-based strategies to increase breast and colorectal cancer screening rates by providing one-on-one and/or group education.