2007 Black & Minority Health Fair is "Bringing INShape Indiana to You"

Sponsored by the State Department of Health, the INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair offers free health education and counseling services on issues that affect the health of minority populations in Indiana.  In addition to promoting the INShape Indiana messages of eating well, moving more, and quitting smoking, this year’s Health Fair will focus on a healthy home environment.

“I encourage people to attend this year’s health fair and learn how to make your home safe from secondhand smoke, lead poisoning, and injuries,” said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.  “Starting with a healthy environment at home is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.  I also urge Hoosiers to take advantage of the many opportunities at the Health Fair to learn about preventing and controlling chronic diseases and conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

“Minorities often suffer disproportionately from chronic diseases,” said Carolin Requiz, director, Office of Minority Health.  “The goal of this four-day event is to center public attention on the diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations.  We are also placing even greater emphasis on data collection and participant follow-up.”

According to Requiz, although racial and ethnic minorities make up less than 14.6 percent of Indiana’s population, Indiana’s 2004 Minority Health Report indicates minorities have a very high incidence rate for many serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.  Heart disease, cancer, and strokes are the three leading causes of death among African-Americans; diabetes and HIV/AIDS are number five and seven respectively.

The opening ceremony for the INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 19 near Exhibit Hall A of the Indiana Convention Center, and will include a keynote address from Oscar Robertson (The Big O) named "Player of the Century" by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 2000.

The Black & Minority Health Fair will be held at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 South Capitol Avenue, in Exhibit Hall A during the following hours:

For a complete list of screenings and attractions at the Health Fair, visit the Department of Health's Web site at www.in.gov/isdh and click on the Minority Health link.