In Baltimore, the CIAA Tournament transcended basketball with its Health and Mental Wellness Summit, a vibrant gathering held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. This free event aimed to tackle health disparities while promoting mental health, nutrition, and fitness through activities like Zumba. CIAA event producer Sonjie DeCaires expressed, “Even though CIAA is a basketball tournament and an amazing tournament, we wanted to make sure there are other things that are happening to include the community.”
The summit endeavoured to connect attendees with valuable community resources enhancing overall well-being. Highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, DeCaires stressed the necessity of seeking medical attention proactively. “Go to the doctor. If something’s wrong with you, advocate for yourself. Don’t let them send you home… We have to be proactive in our community to make sure we’re ahead of the curve,” she advised.
In addition to the health summit, CIAA organizers planned a Tech Summit at the Rita Rossi Caldwell Center, set for February 28, and a Financial Summit focusing on financial literacy presented by Bank of America on March 1. All these events are part of a collaborative effort with Visit Baltimore.
Tamika Felder, a cervical cancer survivor, shared a poignant tale of her diagnosis at just 25 years old, underlining the importance of awareness. “Having this event, in this space, during Black History Month, is the chef’s kiss,” Felder declared, stressing that addressing health inequities is crucial to closing the growing health gap.
The CIAA Tournament week in Baltimore featured a Health and Mental Wellness Summit, focusing on health disparities, mental wellness, and community resources. Event producer Sonjie DeCaires emphasised self-advocacy in healthcare. Tamika Felder shared her cancer experience to raise awareness during the event, which included Zumba and cooking healthy meals. Upcoming summits on technology and financial literacy are also planned.
The CIAA Tournament week in Baltimore highlighted the significance of community health, wellness, and education through its Health and Mental Wellness Summit. By addressing disparities and encouraging proactive health measures, the summit not only uplifted the community but also inspired personal advocacy. With additional upcoming summits on technology and financial literacy, the event is a reminder of the intersection of sports, health, and community well-being.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
