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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Eighth Annual “Let’s Talk Health Week” Hosts Series of Wellness Events Focused on Community Health Awareness
Brianna Neace
| 4 min read
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 28, 2019 – Highlighting common health concerns within the Grand Rapids community with a series of wellness events, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s eighth annual Let’s Talk Health Week initiative will run from June 10-15. The events emphasize the importance of overall wellness and prevention to combat chronic illnesses disproportionately affecting minority groups. Home to a significant percentage of Latinos and African Americans, the Grand Rapids community faces a higher risk for health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes as these ailments often affect select ethnicities at a higher rate when compared to other groups. Healthy lifestyle habits have a substantial impact on the prevention of these diseases. Let’s Talk Health Week brings local leaders, advocates, agencies and members of faith-based organizations together to discuss common health disparities and empower individuals to take control of their overall wellness through proper nutrition, physical activity and preventive care. “Let’s Talk Health Week offers an interactive and unique approach to addressing health concerns related to Grand Rapids’ diverse population. The program provides an opportunity for various individuals and organizations to come together for a common cause and collaborate, educate and raise awareness around lifestyle changes that result in longer, happier lives,” said Cle J. Jackson, senior community liaison for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is pleased to work alongside the NAACP Branch of Greater Grand Rapids and many other dedicated and respected organizations to affect positive change for overall community health.” All Let’s Talk Health Week events are open to the public and offer fun and engaging ways to get active and talk about health choices. Raffle giveaways will take place throughout the program. Attendees also have the opportunity at each event they attend to submit their names into the grand-prize drawing to receive a Fitbit. The Grand-prize drawing will take place on Monday, June 17. For a complete list of the Let’s Talk Health Week events, see below:
- June 10 – Blues Community Faith in Wellness Challenge Kick-Off Rally 6 p.m. | Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter SE, Grand Rapids Hundreds of parishioners from 15 local churches get moving as part of their 10-week, Faith in Wellness Blues Community Challenge health journey. Participants will choose to engage in physical activity to kick-off their road to wellness.
- June 10 – #MIKidsCan Cook Competition 7 – 8 p.m. | Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter SE, Grand Rapids Support local youth, ages 8-12, who’ll demonstrate their own healthy snack creations and compete for three cash prizes. To compete, request a registration form at rsvpbluecross@bcbsm.com or call 616-329-5541.
- June 11 – Faith in Wellness Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Embassy Suites, 710 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids This year’s luncheon will feature a health-positive discussion on the awareness and impact of Parkinson’s Disease in the local Grand Rapids community. To register, email rsvpbluecross@bcbsm.com.
- June 13 – 6th Annual Real Men Cook & Eat Healthy Cooking Contest 6 – 7:30 p.m. | The Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Come watch and vote as local celebrity chefs compete to win a cash prize donation for a non-profit of their choosing. To register for this event, email rsvpbluecross@bcbsm.com.
- June 15 – Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports 5k Father & Son Walk 8:30 a.m. | LifeQuest Ministries, 1050 Fisk Road SE, Grand Rapids A father-son focused walk helps demonstrate the significance of men’s health issues and will also provide access to wellness and human service resources and opportunities onsite. To register for this free event, visit grandcitysports.comor email chrissainjr@gmail.com.
- June 15 – 21st Annual Charles R. Drew Golf Outing 8:15 a.m. Shotgun | Quail Ridge Golf Course, 8375 36th St. SE, Ada A day of golfing that spotlights prevention and wellness, particularly in the realm of African American men’s health. The purpose of this event is to educate fathers and sons about the physical and mental health issues that impact their lives and their family’s lives. To register, visit IOTAPIQUES.com/GolfOuting.htmlor email oppnaka@outlook.com.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
