The Links Inc. invited the Pine Bluff chapter to participate in a grant for hypertension control funded by the American Heart Association.
The chapter extended the initiative to residents of Pine Bluff from Nov. 16-Dec. 15. The goal of the initiative was to promote Black family wellness through educational efforts aimed at increasing hypertension control, according to a news release.
The Links provided four virtual lessons presented by medical specialists on these topics: High Blood Pressure, Know Diabetes by Heart, Get Active, and Salt and Cardiovascular Risk. Each lesson included a pre- and post-test with results provided directly to the American Heart Association without identifying the participant, according to the release.
Twenty-one participants attended at least three lessons, and each received a $100 grocery gift card intended to encourage the practice of the lessons learned.
Participants responded favorably.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I am looking forward to the remaining sessions. This is such an awesome idea,” said one participant.
“The sessions were so informative, I learned so much that I didn’t know. Things that I haven’t even considered about eating, exercise, reading labels to see how much of sugar or calories. I just want to say thank you so much,” another participant said.
The Links Inc. is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom.
The Pine Bluff chapter was chartered in May 1969. Tenita Shannon-Gragg is president. This initiative was implemented by Dorothy Holt and Eva McGee, co-chairs; Beverly Cotledge, Trammell Howell, Kelly D. Bryant, Nicole Bates, and Anissa Buckner.