March 27, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Healthy Congregations Healthy Communities program is hosting a Health Summit and Gospel Fest, "Healing for the Soul" on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, 1615 4th Court West.

The Health Summit will run from noon to 3 p.m. with the Gospel Fest immediately following 3:30-5:30 p.m. The featured performer will be Grammy-winning gospel singer Darius Brooks.

"This is a great family affair that will provide the opportunity for attendees to speak directly with local health care providers and agencies," said Isabel Scarinci, principal investigator of the Healthy Congregations Healthy Communities program. This health care event is to increase awareness of health issues among members of the community and to provide a link to appropriate services."

The Healthy Congregations Healthy Communities (HCHC) Program is a collaboration between the UAB Minority Health and Research Center, Jefferson County Healthy Congregations Healthy Communities Coalition, New City Church, New Hope Baptist Church, and Sardis Baptist Church. The primary goal of this program is promote wellness and prevent disease in the African-American community, particularly as it relates to health disparities, cancer and diabetes.