Community Connect is where you find the resources you can use… we’re helping our elders and those with Sickle Cell this week!
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s 2nd Annual African American Conference, Release the Silence and RACE into Action is next Saturday, April 27th from 9:30 am -2:30 pm at Greenwood Oaks at New Life Covenant Church in Chicago. This free conference is designed for caregivers, future caregivers, and healthcare professionals to learn about the latest treatments and resources for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Please register in advance online at this link, as it is filling up quickly.
Also next Saturday, April 27th, The Joliet Chapter of the National Hook-up of Black Women (NHBW) is partnering with Pfizer to host Let’s Shape the Change, a community event to raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease, its challenges and provide resources with experts. You can join in person at Joliet Central High School or attend virtually online from 11:45 am-12:30pm.
Sickle cell is a genetic disease affecting primarily African-Americans, where red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are sickle-shaped instead of round and aren’t able to carry oxygen as well. Complications from the disease are acute pain, stroke, anemia, an increased risk for infection and organ damage, and can lead to a life expectancy more than two decades shorter than the general population.
Register online here at this link.
& Remember, our community moves forward in the best way possible when we all get the help we need and give the help we can!