Message Saturday, March 8th, 202511:00am - 2:00pmKIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy426 Euclid AvenueSan Diego, CA 92114EXPOEXPOKeynote Speakers | Entertainment | Health Screenings | Wellness Vendors | Raffles & Give AwaysBLACK FAMILYBLACK FAMILYWELLNESSWELLNESSBFWExpo.eventbrite.comDIGITAL EVENTGUIDE
Welcome & OverviewThe San Diego (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated welcomes you to theBlack Family Wellness Expo, a community-driven event designed to addresshealth and economic disparities and promote wellness in the Blackcommunity. This event has been organized in collaboration with the students and faculty ofthe “Community Health in Medicine” course at UC San Diego School ofMedicine. It offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage withhealth and wellness professionals from UC San Diego and other localorganizations, access essential services, and learn more about improvingoverall well-being.The Black Family Wellness Expo is part of a nationwide initiative by The Links,Incorporated. The aim is to improve outcomes for Black families across theUnited States. These expos, held throughout the month of March, leverage thecollective power of The Links' membership to provide valuable resources andservices to communities in need.This event will focus on a wide range of critical health and wellness topics,including:• Mental Health Awareness• CPR Training• Fitness • Etiquette 101• Healthy Eating & Nutrition Awareness (with food and beverage vendors)• Educational Resources• Beauty & Skincare• Mobility & Accessibility Resources• Child and Family Well-Being Services• Dental Care & Hygiene• Health Education & Screenings• Community Safety• Military and Veterans Resources, and more!
Health disparities in the Black community lead to a lower quality of life andshorter lifespans. For example:Heart Disease and Stroke: Heart disease and stroke are leading causes ofdeath, with Black Americans facing significantly higher risks due toelevated rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Adults aged18-49 are twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to their whitecounterparts. (American Heart Association, CDC)Cancer Disparities: Black Americans have the highest death rates andshortest survival for most cancer types. (American Cancer Society)Kidney Disease: Black Americans are three times more likely to experiencekidney failure, largely due to high rates of hypertension and diabetes.(National Kidney Foundation)Maternal Health: Black women are three times more likely to die frompregnancy-related complications, often linked to systemic inequities andunequal access to care. (CDC)Alzheimer’s Disease: Black Americans face a higher risk of developingAlzheimer’s and are more likely to have familial predispositions.(Alzheimer’s Association)Estate Planning: Over 70% of Black Americans lack a will or estate plan,leaving families without clear protections.Why This Matters?
10 Essential Wellness Tips to Help Your Family Thrive, Feel Energized, and LiveHappier Lives! Simple, effective strategies to prioritize your family's well-being every day!The More You Know!Eat a Balanced Diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, leanproteins, and healthy fats to support overall well-being and immune function.Get Enough Sleep: Ensure everyone in the family gets 7-9 hours of qualitysleep each night to improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydratedand support bodily functions.Schedule Regular Check-ups: Keep up with annual doctor visits for preventivecare, vaccinations, and health screenings.Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries on screen time for kids and adults topromote physical activity and quality family time.Practice Gratitude: Foster a culture of appreciation by sharing what you'rethankful for, which can enhance mental resilience and positive emotions.Cook Together: Involve the whole family in meal preparation to teach healthyeating habits and strengthen family connections.Create Healthy Routines: Establish routines that include physical activity,healthy eating, and adequate rest to create lasting wellness habits for theentire family.Stay Active Together: Engage in family-friendly physical activities likewalking, biking, or dancing to boost cardiovascular health and encouragebonding. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day.Prioritize Mental Health: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathingexercises to reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being.
Today’s Agenda10-minute Fitness Break with DJ SavageEvent WelcomeMs. Angela Hilliard, President, San Diego Chapter of the Links, IncorporatedMr. Andrew Simmerman, KIPP Adelante Director of Community EngagementSupervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego County District 4Dr. John Carethers, UCSD Vice Chancellor for Health SciencesMr. Daniel Massillon, Third-year medical student at UCSD School of Medicine “So You Think You Can Dance” – Line Dance Show Down!Ms. Dianne Joiner, San Diego Chapter of the Links, IncorporatedEarly Bird RaffleKeynote #1 - Advancing Health Equity in theAfrican American CommunityThree (3) winners will be announced, and must be present to receive prize.Dr. Crystal Cené, Chief Administrative Officer for Health Equity, Diversity andInclusion at UC San Diego Health11:20 - 11:5011:50 - 12:0012:00 - 12:0512:05 - 12:201:15 - 1:2510-minute Fitness Break with DJ SavageCardio Blast: Energize Your Workout, Elevate Your Fitness!Ms. Alvona Whyte, Sweaty Smile Wellness1:30 - 1:50Keynote #2 - Stronger Together: TheFoundation of a Safe CommunityPolice Chief Scott Wahl, San Diego Police DepartmentFire Chief Robert Logan, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department1:50 - 2:0010-minute Fitness Break with DJ SavageSound Bowls to Harmonize Your Body and Mind for Optimal Movement! Ms. Lisette Archer-Barber, Illuminating Crossroads2:00Final Raffle & Thank you!Iris Savage Dargan, Dr. Rio Dickens-Celestin, Valena Sibley & Mireille White,Black Family Wellness Expo Committee ChairsDr. Audra Meadows, UCSD Professor of Clinical, Ob/Gyn & ReproductiveSciencesVendor Booths will be available from 11:00am - 3:00pm!
Dr. Crystal CenéChief Administrative Officer for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion atUC San Diego HealthDr. Cené is responsible for the vision, leadership and strategic planning ofUC San Diego Health’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Shepartners closely with leaders within the organization to ensure anti-racist,equitable, diverse and inclusive strategies, programs and policies areimplemented across the health system. She brings extensive leadership,research, teaching and clinical experience to her position.Keynote SpeakersPolice Chief Scott WahlCity of San Diego’s 36th Chief of PoliceScott Wahl was promoted to serve as the City of San Diego’s 36th Chief ofPolice on June 7, 2024. Chief Wahl oversees the police department for theeighth-largest city in the nation. Chief Wahl’s vision for the San Diego PoliceDepartment is to build an inclusive organization that is reflective of the citywe serve and worthy of our community’s trust and collaboration. Fire Chief Robert Logan19th Fire Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue DepartmentOn Aug. 24, 2024, Chief Robert Logan became the 19th fire chief of the SanDiego Fire-Rescue Department; the third African American to hold thisposition in the department's 134-year history. He is a native San Diegan whogrew up in Lincoln Park near Fire Station 12, which inspired him to becomea firefighter. On and off duty, Chief Logan cultivates relationships anddevelops opportunities for the community. Championing efforts to promotediversity, equity, and inclusion are also among his top priorities.
Thank you to all the media outlets, in-kind donors, and volunteers for your incrediblesupport of the 2025 Black Family Wellness Expo. Your time, energy, and dedication haveplayed a key role in creating a meaningful and impactful experience for the San Diegocommunity. We truly appreciate your commitment to making this event a success!Special RecognitionJOE JOHNSONP H O T O G R A P H E RAs seen onAs seen on
Mental Health AwarenessCynthia’s Artistic ExpressionsJayden T. Gillespie FoundationMid-City CANNAMI San Diego and Imperial CountiesOpen Heart LeadersUnion of Pan Asian Communities HomeboundPositive SolutionsCPR TrainingGet Moving with FitnessEtiquette 101Healthy Eating & Nutrition Financial AwarenessEducation ResourcesBeauty & SkincareMobility & AccessibilityChild and Family Well-BeingDental Care & HygieneVendors At-a-GlanceUCSD Revive and Survive CPR Training Sweaty Smile WellnessSan Diego Swann School of ProtocolDosha Tea, LLCFlavors of East AfricaHot Bevs Coffee & Tea CompanyMission Fed Credit UnionWFG WSB National FinancialLiteracy CampaignChampion Instructors - Education & Training Consulting KIPP Adelante Live Well San Diego (WoW Bus)San Diego 350San Diego City CollegeGood Vibez BeautyS.K.I.N. Inc productsNext Day AccessAlzheimer’s Association San Diego /Imperial ChapterBrightLife KidsCounty of San Diego - Fathers FirstProgramEpiscopal Community Services HeadStartKoinonia Family ServicesLive Well San Diego (WoW Bus)Rady Children's HospitalSan Diego Community Birth CenterSan Diego County Black Infant HealthSan Ysidro HealthSAY San DiegoSDSU Research Foundation WICSelf Determined Futures LLCSensory Quiet StationChildrens Choice Dental CareDr. Linda VerinRady Children’s Hospital - Anderson Center for Oral Health
Health Education & ScreeningsMilitary & Veteran ResourcesCommunity SafetyVoting & RegistrationCardiac Vascular Health100% ChiropracticCalifornia Health Collaborative - Every WomanCountsChristie's PlaceFamily Health Centers of San DiegoFirst Aid Table (UCSD Med Students)Live Well San Diego (WoW Bus)NMDP (formerly Be the Match)North San Diego County Alumnae Chapter ofDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, IncorporatedSan Diego Black Nurses AssociationSan Diego Regional CenterUC San Diego Health - Mobile Health ClinicUCSD Moores Cancer CenterUCSD School of Medicine - Fade Hypertension Vendors At-a-GlanceLive Well San Diego (WoW Bus)San Diego Fire-Rescue DepartmentSan Diego Police DepartmentSan Diego County Registrar ofVotersDr. Robert Gillespie & Dr. Rodney Hood
BOOTHNUMBER25BOOTHNUMBER10BOOTHNUMBER3Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our cause. Your participation has inspired usto continue working diligently towards making a positive change in the San Diego community!
BOOTHNUMBER4BOOTHNUMBER13BOOTHNUMBER9Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!California Health Collaborative - Every Woman Counts
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BOOTHNUMBER47BOOTHNUMBER19BOOTHNUMBER15Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Dr. Linda Verin
BOOTHNUMBER37BOOTHNUMBER49BOOTHNUMBER20Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!DR.R O B E R TG I L L E S P I EDR.R O D N E YH O O DClick here to learn more!Outside of entry gate
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BOOTHNUMBER50BOOTHNUMBER16BOOTHNUMBER17Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Live Well on Wheels (Live WoW) BusOutside of entry gate
BOOTHNUMBER18BOOTHNUMBER2BOOTHNUMBER12Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Uterine FibroidAwareness
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BOOTHNUMBER38BOOTHNUMBER39BOOTHNUMBER5&34Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Mobile Health ClinicEMS&Keeping the Beat
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BOOTHNUMBER35BOOTHNUMBER36Vendor DirectoryClick here to learn more!Click here to learn more!BOOTHNUMBER52SENSORYQUIETSTATIONSponsored by
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THANKYOU!Thank you to everyone who contributed to thesuccess of the 2025 Black Family Wellness Expo! Your dedication and support played a crucial rolein enhancing the health and wellness of our SanDiego community. About The Links, IncorporatedThe Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membershipconsists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters located in 41 states,the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of thenation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed toenriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and otherpersons of African ancestry. Read more here: https://www.linksinc.org.The San Diego (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated members are committed to educational, culturaland civic activities. Thirty-eight active members and 25 alumnae members continue to sharpen its focusand expand its program dimensions in order to make Links not only a chain of friendship, but also a chainof purposeful service. Read more here: https://www.sandiegolinks.org.