By GHCC
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce in partnership with US News and World Report, and The City College of New York, hosted the 2024 National Urban Health Conference on Thursday, July 25, 204.
Themed “Our Health Is Our Wealth,” the informative and timely conference, which took place at City College’s Shepard Hall, addressed concerns related to two of our society’s most vulnerable groups.
“For too long, the harsh realities of health disparities in communities of color nationwide have been considered just accepted and expected facts of life,” GHCC President Lloyd Williams, shared in the program’s Statement of Purpose. “But the disproportionate cases of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases along with cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia and peripheral artery disease have had continuous disastrous effects on the health and wellbeing of Black & Brown Americans for centuries.”
Sponsored by West Harlem Development Corporation, NYC Health Hospitals Harlem, Mount Sinai, Columbia University, Amazon Access, and HARLEM WEEK, the program opened with a warm greeting from The City College of New York President Dr. Vincent Boudreau. His remarks were followed by Padmore John, Assistant Commissioner, Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who heads up GHCC Health.
The program kicked off with a keynote address from Dr. Icilma Fergus, Director of Cardiovascular Disparities at Mount Sinai Hospital, who ushered in the “Healthy Aging in Communities of Color” panel. Moderated by Sumita Singh, Senior Vice President & General Manager at US News and World Report, panelist included Gregory Ho, President of Spring Mountain Capital; Georges LeConte, CEO of Harlem Hospital, Meredith Oppenheim, Founder/CEO Vitality Society; and Ryan Murray, Executive Deputy Commissioner & Chief Program Officer of Department of Aging. The panel examined key issues and provided a wealth of recommendations for seniors to live out their golden years.
NYC School Chancellor David Banks, keynote of “The Mental & Emotional Health and Wellbeing of Our Children – Post COVID,” panel, shared with the audience his NYC Read Campaign. “Literacy can lead to mental health,” shared Chancellor Banks. “If you cannot read, do you know what that says to a child internally? So I dedicate myself to this space as my number one priority to make sure the children of NYC read.”
The panel was moderated by Dr. Destiny J. Price, Panelists included Dr. John Palmer, President, John Palmer Associates; Dr. Lena Green, Executive Director, Hope Center; and Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, President of The American Psychiatrist Association. Co-sponsors include West Harlem Innovation Network; New York State Senator Cordell Cleare; New York City Public School.
The day concluded with a fireside chat entitled “Building Resilience in the Urban Family,” moderated by Marion Philips, III, Senior Vice President, U.S. News & World Report. Panelists included Hon. Cordell Cleare, NY State Senator of the 30th Senate District, who chairs New York State Senate Committee on Aging, and Hon. Samra Brouk, New York State Senator, 55th Senate District and Chair of New York State Committee on Mental Health.
HARLEM WEEK takes pride in promoting events that not only showcase Harlem’s enriched cultural legacy but educate and uplift the Harlem community overall. Other health and wellness related events taking place in honor of HARLEM WEEK’s 50th Anniversary includes Climate Change Conference, Wednesday, August 7; New York City Senior Citizens Day, Friday, August 9th; Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run, Saturday, August 10; A Great Day In Harlem, Sunday, August 11; Black Health Matters Conference, Thursday, August 15; and Harlem Health Village, Sunday, August 18.
HARLEM WEEK will conclude with a packed weekend beginning Saturday, August 17, with its Summer In The City street festival along 135th Street. The day will include a host of international food vendors and exhibitors, the Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee, and the NYC Children’s festival which will take place Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18 at Bennett Playground. Sunday, August 18 is HARLEM DAY, the biggest day of HARLEM WEEK featuring four stages of live entertainment on 5th Avenue, Children’s Festival Stage, Center Street, and St. Nicholas Avenue.
HARLEM WEEK 50th Anniversary events can be enjoyed in person at locations throughout Harlem and will stream online via www.HARLEMWEEK.com. The website is also hosting “HARLEM WEEK 50th Flashback Flicks” featuring past performances, fashion shows, and other highlights.
For more information about HARLEM WEEK and its 50th-anniversary celebration, please visit harlemweek.com.
Photo credit: GHCC.
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