FROM THE DESK OF Presentation to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) from CVTF co-chair, Link Virginia “Dee” Banks, provides information and an overview of the disparities faced by communities of African descent specific to testing, treatment, and the trajectory of the disease.As members of The Links, Incorporated, we are the keepers of our brethren, and what affects one ultimately affects all of us. We must model the behavior that will protect us and curtail the spread of this virus in our already ravaged communities. Social distancing works but if only if you practice it; face coverings are effective but only if you use them. Please continue to stay the course. |
Watch Link Virginia Banks and colleagues HERE
The Video Features:
Virginia D. Banks, MD, MBA, FIDSA—Youngstown, Ohio Fellow and 2019 Watanakunakorn Clinician Award Winner—Infectious Diseases Society of America Infectious Diseases Physician, Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease Associates
Damani A. Piggott, MD, PhD—Baltimore, Maryland Member—Infectious Diseases Society of America Assistant Dean for Graduate Biomedical Education and Graduate Student Diversity, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Assistant Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Chris Busky, CAE (Moderator) Chief Executive Officer, Infectious Diseases Society of America
October 2020 brought a new program, presented an online workshop, ‘ My Mind Matters” with Pasadena Police Cpl. Domino Scott-Jackson. Online encouragement and emotional support were offered as Cpl Scott-Jackson told the girls,” Its OK, not to be OK. Talk with someone in your space, or call one of us”.
In a joint effort, our facets seek to host programs that keep our mentees in the loop. Saturday activities involve community locals by including high-school-aged girls in the LinksUp! For Success mentoring program.
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In previous programs, our Health and Human Services facet integrated its focus with the Services To Youth facet. In February 2020, pre-COVID-19 Response, Our program and speakers presented a forum about two issues that pressure our youth today. the forum “Keeping It Real: A Forum on Vaping and Teenage Suicide” was held at the Robinson Park Rec Center, Pasadena CA.
Two dynamic community leaders were the key speakers. These ladies presented extensive knowledge on these subjects: Pasadena Police Corporal Domino Scott Jackson and Nicole Bernard, Community Services Representative, Department of Health, City of Pasadena. Young people, aged 12 and up, their parents, caregivers and community leaders attended the Saturday morning presentation.
Links’ Members in attendance, from Left: Victoria Johnson, Yolanda Oliver, Janet Pope-Givens, HHS Facet Chairperson Diane Scott, STY Facet Chairperson Hilarie Dyson-Green, Yvonne Hill, Charmayne Mills-Ealy, Barbara Washington, Cheryl Myers, Barbara Bigby, Barbara Coleman, Pam Cosse, and Cynthia Roye.
Colgate Bright Futures, Bright Smiles – Dental Health Initiative, March 2018
The Health and Human Services (HHS) facet is a response to the chronic health disparities that persist in our communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African-Americans. The HHS facet brings greater focus, resources, and coordination to The Links, Incorporated’s health initiative. The goal of HHS is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources.
Breast Cancer Awareness
The National Breast Health Initiative educates The Links membership and the communities we serve about the importance of knowing one’s family history and the risk factors for breast cancer. Our goal encompasses advocacy and personal health record retention to ensure proper healthcare maintenance. We strive to provide mentoring, encouragement, and a safe haven for all to share personal journeys.
CLICK HERE for the American Cancer Society Toolkit
