About
Background
African Americans disproportionately suffer from health issues more than any other population. There is compelling evidence that there is a definite need for the population to be educated, empowered and given the tools to change their health outcomes. It is necessary that the nation’s health improve. That requires federal, state and local agencies to work with communities at a grass roots level.
Rochester Health Engagement (RHEP), was formed in 2007 by 4 African American Women that worked in the health care industry. Our individual professions required that we do presentations in the community. We would constantly hear from attendees that they were happy to see that we were African American and they could identify with us. People that looked like them, speaking to them!
We decided that we would give the community what they wanted. We held quarterly seminars and events that were well attended. Speakers were experts in their field and African American. We created the Highly Acclaimed High Blood Pressure Contest in coordination with The National Kidney Foundation. Other entities have used the contest to bring awareness and education of high blood pressure. The number of African Americans who have tested their blood pressure because of this contest is astounding!
RHEP is now solely operated by Cynthia Barnes Adell with the approval of the former partners. Cynthia is continuing the vision and work that was done. Empowering People to Live Healthier Lives.
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Description
Rochester Health Engagement Partners makes formal introductions to the African American faith-based leadership and receives endorsement to:
- Assess the congregation’s specific health needs via health screenings, surveys and customized topics upon request.
- Provide training to site coordinators regarding presenting health information and program implementation.
- Provide current data and accurate information to distribute to participants.
- Collaborate with other agencies and programs within the Rochester area to receive and deliver information on multiple topics.
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Vision
To provide services and resources to diverse communities of all races, interview local experts via television to reach targeted audience.
- To serve as a consultant to organizations to get their message out to the community.
- Serve as a resource in multiple areas such as job readiness and education.
- Collaborate with local and regional areas to become the premier resource service provider in the United States.
- Provide experts in various fields throughout the United States to educate and empower individuals to obtain greater health outcomes.
- Utilize media to capture a large audience; talk show that has speakers, healthy cooking; physical activity; etc.
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Objectives
- Streamline Community Health Education and Customer Service to the African American churches and other groups, clubs, etc.
- Train individuals/auxiliaries in faith-based organizations and other groups to customize and facilitate health activities that are desired by their congregations/groups.
- Effectively communicate community support and resources to the African American church leadership.
- Increase the number of churches and other groups that are educating members and the community about health and to lessen the death rates among African Americans from Covid 19, heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
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Services
- Periodic health seminars on topics that affect African Americans.
- Annual projects, activities, contests and initiatives that will involve participation from faith-based organization, women’s groups, men’s groups and the African American community.
- Serve as a resource for identifying speakers on specific health topics.
- Dissemination of health literature.
- Provide services via licensed and certified health professionals.
An emphasis will be placed on social, emotional, physical, mental and environmental health inclusive of, but not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Covid 19
- High Blood Pressure
- Mental Health
- Obesity
- Heart Disease
- Early Childhood Health
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