Trillium Health hosted event to educate about African American health disparities

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – People gathered at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center to learn about heart disease, mental health services, and maternal mortality at Trillium Health’s African American Health Summit.

Aysha Savage came to learn more about what health signs to be aware of for herself and her children.

“I am hopeful to learn about what actions we can take to bridge the gap of disparities and how we can bring awareness, especially to younger people,” says Savage.

Luz Terry who is the VP of training for Trillium, says the goal of this event is to provide resources and information to people like how sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the US, mainly African Americans. Plus heart disease is one of the highest death rates for adults in the US, especially higher risk for African-Americans

“It is super important to understand the importance of health equity because folks are doing well health wise and mental health wise they do better in other things school or work,” says Terry.

Terry said the most rewarding thing about this event is seeing the folks who show up learn new information and continue to educate themselves.

“I hope they continue to do things like this to bring awareness and promote a little bit more so that more people can come out and learn,” says Savage.

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