Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Professional Women’s Network for Service, Inc. annual holiday luncheon on December 4, 2010 at the Racine Marriott Hotel

Racine Mayor John Dickert is shown with keynote speaker Kathryn Hall after she spoke on improving health conditions throughout the world.
Kathryn Hall, Founding Director of Birthing Project USA, pins a momentum on
Betty H. Stinson, PWNS Vice President - Programs

Sharon Schulz, CEO of the Racine-Kenosha Community Action Agency and Co-Chair of Racine Lifecource Initiatives for Healthy Families listens to speakers.

The Racine African American Health Coalition announced two new Co-Chairs, Lena Cooksey, retired educator and coalition member of the Racine Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families, and Daphne Jackson, Community Relations Liaison with UnitedHealthcare – Community Plan. The Racine African American Health Coalition is a project committee sponsored by the Professional Women’s Network Service, Inc.

RAAHC coalition’s primary purpose is to raise awareness of the health issues which impact the African American community by supporting policies and developing programs to inform African Americans about health issues they confront and what measures can be taken to improve their health and to help access the health care services needed. The coalition’s 2011 focus will be childhood obesity and continued support of the Racine-Kenosha Birthing Project USA initiatives.


Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health issues facing our children and the youth. People across the nation have been challenged to join the healthy living movement through the Department of Health and Human Services, First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” national program. There is a rise of obesity in children and youth which concerns our children, parents and our entire Racine community.

Members of the Racine African American Health Coalition will work together to implement programs and events to promote health and wellness in the African American community regarding obesity. Daphne Jackson comments, “Creating a heightened sense of awareness about childhood obesity is a priority for the Racine African American Health Coalition.

Engaging the Racine community with education and health promotion will be a key component to help address problems associated with the economic burden of a poor diet, food insecurity, lack of physical activity and low participation/interest for breastfeeding which may contribute to children’s risk of becoming overweight.” Obesity increases risks for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

Involving members, shareholders of our community such as schools, places of worship and health care facilities are needed is imperative to help break the mindsets of unhealthy behaviors. This coalition is eager to create innovative social and individual change efforts to help reduce the alarming numbers of childhood obesity in the Racine African American community.

Recent disturbing health reports concerning the disparity of infant mortality in the Southeast region of Wisconsin, has motivated the African American community to come together for solutions.
With a strong desire to help reduce the infant mortality rate, the Racine African American Health Coalition will be working in conjunction with community agent Professional Women’s Network for Service, Inc. and their local chapter, Racine-Kenosha Birthing Project USA. This is the only national African American maternal and child health program in this country, which encourages better birth outcomes by providing practical support to women during pregnancy and one year after the birth of the child. Dedicated and passionate volunteers work to provide case management for pregnant women, access to health care and offer a “Sister Friend” to encourage delivery of healthy babies and help to lower infant mortality.

This year, Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, the Founder and CEO of the Birthing Project USA, Inc. will be featured as a guest speaker at the Professional Women’s Network for Service, Inc. annual holiday luncheon on December 4, 2010 at the Racine Marriott Hotel. Sponsors for the December 4th event: Dr. Miracle, General Converters & Assemblers, Inc., Racine Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families, The Johnson Foundation, and UnitedHealthcare of WI., Inc.
For more information about the Racine African American Health Coalition or the annual holiday luncheon featuring guest speaker, Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, please contact the Professional Women’s Network for Service, Inc. at 262-634-0949 or visit their website at www.pwnsinc.org.