Health Committee

The Tri County Branch Health Committee focuses on health disparities amongst minorities, and keeps branch members abreast of current health trends. The Health Committee shall:

  1. Work to promote, protect and maintain the health of African-Americans
  2. Assess the health needs of the community
  3. Advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for all Americans
  4. Sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color
  5. Support health initiatives of the Association

On the state level, the Tri County Branch has participated in rallies at the state capital designed to advocate for the establishment of State Health Exchanges and Branch President Tori Bailey has emceed three such rallies designed to increase citizen awareness and to positively influence policy makers. Locally, the branch has presented information about health challenges that disproportionately affect people of color. Doctors and other health care providers have presented workshops to educate branch members. These include general practitioners, a gastroenterologist who shared a power point presentation, and weight loss specialists. The branch has provided certified American Heart Association CPR Training for its members, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Ann Underwood and the Shoals Campus of Northwest Shoals Community College. Health Chair Kaytrina Cole Coffey has educated branch members on issues including high blood cholesterol, food and nutrition, physical activity, blood pressure, heart health, diabetes, breast and cervical cancer, bullying, and more. Mrs. Coffey has even cooked and served dinner to the members of the branch while informing diners about healthy eating and safe food preparation.