The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc. (CMWP) in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc., the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Orlando, Orange County Health Department, Florida Hospital, Central Florida Medical Society and the Central Florida Partnership on Health Disparities will host the 9th Annual Caribbean Health Summit. This free community event will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 8:00am – 2:00pm at the Central Florida Fair & Exposition Park (Fairgrounds), located on 4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando.
The theme of this year’s event “Healthy You = Healthy Community” was chosen by the planning committee because they felt that the healthier individuals are, the stronger their community would be, in terms of being more productive. Once individuals take responsibility for their health and team up with others in their community, these communities will be stronger, healthier and more productive. Dr Francois, executive director of CMWP and event coordinator said that “each individual has the responsibility to familiarize themselves to preventative measures that will enhance their quality of life. I can say that this community event presents many different ways that individuals can stay fit and healthy”. Dr. Francois went on to say that “if you plan to get tested, you should arrive early because this year we are expecting a lot more people to take advantage of these free screenings”.
The Health Summit will provide participants from the Central Florida and Caribbean communities of all ages access to screenings, information and educational seminars related to health maintenance with an emphasis on promoting safety, optimal wellness and a happy lifestyle.
Free screenings such as blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), HIV, Syphilis, glucose and cholesterol, PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), mammograms and Pap smears are some of the screenings that will be available. Mammograms will be available by appointments only.
The event will bring together several local, City, County and State agencies, such as Florida Department of Health/Bureau of HIV/AIDS, Primary Care Access Network (PCAN), Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando, Orange County Healthy Start Coalitions, Haitian Outreach, Vitas, Visionary Vanguard and Florida Civil Rights Association and many other community organizations and agencies. This year’s Health Summit is being sponsored by “All Into Health” as the premier sponsors. The all in project was created as a result of funding from a Federal grant to support public health efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure from second hand smoke. The objectives of the all in project is to inform and educate the Orange County community of the importance of tobacco-free environments, raise awareness of the health threats of second-hand smoke and increase motivation to quit.
For more information about the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc., please call (407)648-9440 or visit our website at www.cmwp.org.
