WATERLOO — The Waterloo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host the second annual Black Women’s Health Summit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center, 120 Jefferson St. Admission is free and open to women older than 18.
The summit aims to elevate awareness and address the critical health issues disproportionately affecting Black women in the Cedar Valley, including diabetes, breast and cervical cancer and cardiovascular issues. Mental health, self-care and fitness will also be highlighted. This initiative aligns with the sorority’s commitment to mental and physical health.
Krystal Madlock, programming chair, said the summit’s goal is to provide culturally-relevant insights on the prevention, management and control of these health concerns by empowering attendees with tools for self-care, emotional support and access to community health resources.
“Waterloo has recently experienced profound loss of beloved young men and women gone too soon,” said Cassandra Hart, chapter president. “This summit is key for educating and promoting health among Black women and their families, benefitting the community’s overall health.”
The summit will showcase vendors including Amani Community Services, Focus on Diabetes, Luxe Healthcare Solutions and National Alliance on Mental Illness Black Hawk County. Presenters will include Shantila Caston, Jene’ Beck, Judeda Hill, and Stephany Hoskins who will share their expertise on a range of topics including mental health, cardiovascular health, spiritual health, and physical fitness. A luncheon panel will include members of Splash of Color, a breast cancer support group that promotes awareness among African-American women.
TruStage (formerly CUNA Mutual Group) is the corporate sponsor for this event. Additional supporters include Black Hawk County Public Health, Hawkeye Student Nurses Association, Cedar Valley Subs, Hy-Vee, MercyOne, Molina Healthcare and UnityPoint Health.