Health And Human Services
Health And Human Services
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of HHS is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated plays a significant role in providing it.
Implemented an audio screening program at our partner school, P.S./I.S. 116Q. Under the leadership of Link Sisters, one a physician and the other an audiologist, the Chapter seized the opportunity to secure a donation of audio screening equipment. Before COVID–19 and Implemented an audio screening program at our partner school, P.S./I.S. 116Q. Under the leadership of Link Sisters, one a physician and the other an audiologist, the Chapter
seized the opportunity to secure a donation of audio screening equipment. Before COVID–19 and immediately after, when NYC Schools re-opened, over 750 students were screened. As a result, students who were diagnosed with hearing loss or impaired hearing have received medical services and resources. A graduating 8th grade student diagnosed in the 5th grade with significant hearing loss received the medical care and resources needed. In 2023, he graduated at the top of his class and was accepted at one of NYC’s specialized high schools for students who excel artistically and academically. after, when NYC Schools re-opened, over 750 students were screened. As a result, students who were diagnosed with hearing loss or impaired hearing have received medical services and resources. A graduating 8th grade student diagnosed in the 5th grade with significant hearing loss received the medical care and resources needed. In 2023, he graduated at the top of his class and was accepted at one of NYC's specialized high schools for students who excel artistically and academically.
Through our partnership with Colgate-Palmolive“Bright Smiles, Bright Futures,” the Facet has significantly impacted our community dental health.
Under the leadership of our Link sister, a dentist, and with the support of our community, we have provided dental screenings for more than 1,000 children under 12 from P.S./I.S. 116Q and PS 330Q students. These screenings were not just about identifying issues but also about promoting healthy oral and dental practices. In addition, we have distributed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and brochures, further encouraging these practices. Our efforts have not been limited to our local community. Dental hygiene supplies have also been provided to children in Haiti and Dakar, Senegal, extending the reach of our impact beyond our borders.
Our commitment to good nutritional, physical, and mental health for our members is not just about participation. We have actively engaged in the Heart Healthy Walk-A-Thon, the American Cancer Society– Breast Cancer Walk, and the Dress For Success Walk-A-Thon. These events have not only raised awareness but also funds. We are proud to share that we have successfully participated in each program's fundraiser, raising over $5,000 annually. This financial support from our community members is a testament to their belief in our cause and their active involvement in our mission.
In 2022, Greater Queens (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, implemented “Greater HEAL-ing: Addressing Disparities & Advancing Healthy Living.” A national program, our goals and objectives were to help reduce breast and colorectal cancer death rates among underserved people living in Queens. Our program aims to raise community awareness, help facilitate preventive testing and screening, and deliver community education on the risk factors associated with breast and colorectal cancers to our communities. Our program includes providing information and guidance about access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Obamacare, information, resources upon receipt of self and/or cancer diagnosis, and much-needed support resources.
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Through our mental health initiative, we have partnered with mental health professionals, providing information about depression, anxiety, and social issues that impact the physical and mental health of children and families in Queens. As we came out of COVID, we conducted a “Health Talk Assembly” with the students at P.S./I.S. 116Q, helping them address their anxiety during the shutdown, reentry to in- person learning, and ongoing peer-to-peer interaction. We have conducted webinars for the adult community and have distributed “The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health” by Rheeda Walker, Ph.D.
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For the past 28 years, Greater Queens (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has blazed a trail of excellence in service throughout the Queens community and beyond. Our membership of forty-nine professional and accomplished women gives of themselves tirelessly “day in and day out,” implementing transformational and sustained programs of The Links, Incorporated.
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GREATER QUEENS (NY) LINK PROGRAMS
Our Chapter actively participates in and raises funds for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk. Since 2015, our members and friends have been a consistent presence at the Flushing Meadows Queens Park site, demonstrating our community's unwavering commitment to supporting this important cause.
Heart disease is the number one killer of African-American women. Our chapter supports each other in healthy lifestyles through healthy diet seminars, group walks, and one-on-one peer support. We also increase community awareness through the Walk for Healthy Living at Roy Wilkins Park of Queens.
We participate in blood drives in partnership with the New York Blood Center and CUNY-York College. These drives are instrumental for organ donor registration and transplantation.
Our health fairs, particularly Senior Week at CUNY-York College, have been a significant tool in enriching the Queens community's health education. Over a decade, these fairs have provided education on various health aspects, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, oral health, and mental illness. Certified specialists in all health areas have been instrumental in assisting hundreds of individuals and families, contributing to the improvement of health literacy in our community.
As the lead facet of the BioBus, we continue to support Services to the Youth with this incredible mobile laboratory. Also, adding a much-needed Hearing Van has greatly increased our community’s auditory health and well-being.
Since 2011, our Chapter has annually participated in the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program through the Colgate Dental Van. With this mobile dental clinic, we have screened over 9,000 children at elementary schools and daycare centers. The educational outreach component included over 15,000 children in Queens, NY, and the islands of Jamaica and Haiti.
National Initiatives
Health Equity Ambassador Program
Since 2015, The Links, Incorporated and the American Cancer Society have worked together to address cancer disparities and drive health equity in all communities touched by cancer. Through the Health Equity Ambassador program, we seek to eradicate inequities and reduce cancer screening disparities through community outreach and education.
HeartLinks Signature Program
HeartLinks encourages Links members and the communities we serve to take an aggressive stance against heart disease, the number one killer of African-American women. HeartLinks accomplishes its goal by equipping our members with numerous ways to implement heart healthy programs and activities in their communities including: Walk for a Healthy Living Program, Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program, and Red Dress events.
Linkages to Life
Organ, Tissue and Bone Marrow Donation Awareness Signature Program Linkages to Life was established in response to the health disparities in organ, eye, and tissue (including bone marrow) transplantation. Our goal is to decrease disparities in donor registration and transplantation in the African-American community.
National HIV/AIDS Initiative
The National HIV/AIDS Initiative ensures that Links members and the communities we serve understand the incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community, how these infections are transmitted, and how the disease can be prevented.
National Mental Health Initiative
The goal of the National Mental Health Initiative is to educate Links members about depression, anxiety, and social issues that impact our physical and mental health so that our members can take this knowledge into our communities.
National Oral Health Initiative
The Links, Incorporated aims to increase awareness of ongoing disparities and inequities in oral health among adults and children through our National Oral Health Initiative. In partnership with Colgate, we implement their Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program to teach youth about proper oral care.