Clark State Community College and Mercy Health will host a dinner event in honor of Black History Month on Thursday, February 15 at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center in downtown Springfield.
The theme of the event is “Health in the Black Community,” and it will feature a panel of local minority health experts.
“Clark State remains focused on the health of our students, faculty, staff and surrounding community,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “We are pleased to partner again with Mercy Health to offer this event and continue our mission to make health information accessible for all.”
Panelists will cover the topics of fire safety, general health, emergency medical services and law enforcement. Panelists include Dr. Denise Rodney from Springfield Regional Medical Center, Lieutenant Bruce Kelley from the Springfield Fire Division, Chris Chilton from the Springfield Fire/EMS Department and Deputy Mario Troutman from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
“This event is important for us to celebrate the history and culture of our family, friends and neighbors,” said Carolyn Young, senior project manager of mission at Mercy Health. “It promotes community togetherness while we share a meal and important information that supports the fullness of life – mind, body and spirit.”
Young said the first event in 2017 resulted in positive feedback from the attendees; more than 350 people were in attendance.
“Clark state is excited to partner once again with Mercy Health partners on this community event that celebrates Black history through fellowship, education and community engagement to increase awareness regarding health and safety measures,” said Crystal Jones, faculty co-chair for the Diversity Committee and program coordinator/ associate professor for Clark State’s Management program.
A limited number of tickets for the “Health in the Black Community” event are available. Tickets are free, but must be reserved by contacting Tracy Yates at (937) 328-6066 or yatest@clarkstate.edu.
The Second Annual Health in the Black Community dinner event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone Street in downtown Springfield.