Meek, CBCF To Launch Health Initiative In Miami

MIAMI, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Congressman Kendrick B. Meek and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), in collaboration with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, will launch the Black Health Empowerment Project, a local, community-based obesity education and health-promotion initiative designed to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic health conditions. A daylong event will be held on January 28, 2006 at Miami’s Joseph Caleb Center to bring together civic leaders, health experts and members of the community to discuss this growing public health crisis. The event is free and open to the public.

“An estimated 61% of African American men and 77% of African American women are overweight or obese. That is a startling statistic that can no longer be ignored,” said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek, the U.S. Representative from Florida’s 17th Congressional district. “The Black Health Empowerment Program is a solid first step in addressing this public health crisis and developing effective solutions for our families.”

The interactive format of the health event will include complimentary nutritious foods, cooking demonstrations, exercise and fitness segments, and fun activities for kids. A host of exhibitors will provide free health screenings and vital information to attendees on topics such as HIV/AIDS, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

“Out of the many activities the CBCF undertakes, community outreach at the grassroots level is the most rewarding,” said Dr. Don I. Tharpe, President and CEO of the CBCF. “The BHEP event will provide a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy themselves while learning to live healthy lifestyles.”

The BHEP initiative signals a partnership between the public and private sectors -- a collaboration that is crucial to fighting the obesity epidemic. Included among the experts speaking at the event will be celebrity chef Morgan Nims of Britto Restaurant in Miami Beach and nutritionist Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock, PhD, author of Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets to Livin’ Healthy.

“We must all be committed to improving the health of our communities, and the BHEP initiative is a perfect example of that commitment,” said Rich Buckley, Vice President of Government Affairs for AstraZeneca. “AstraZeneca is dedicated to providing individuals with the information and tools that will empower families to take charge of their health.”

The event will be held at the Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is the third of its kind, part of the CBCF’s Collective Power Tour, which is expected to make stops in other major cities across the country.

General Mills joins AstraZeneca as a key sponsor of the event. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmondson will join Rep. Kendrick B. Meek as a lead host.

For additional information about this BHEP event or to register call (866) 447-7103 or visit the CBCF website at http://www.cbcfinc.org. The CBCF, established in 1976, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and

educational institute focused on leadership education, public health, economic development, and African globalism.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

CONTACT: Andy Izquierdo of AstraZeneca, +1-202-350-5530, orandy.izquierdo@astrazeneca.com; or Kenya Covington of the CongressionalBlack Caucus Foundation, +1-202-263-2834, or kcovington@cbcfinc.org