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Health and Wellness
Healthy Together: Advancing Health Equity in Cochise County


The Healthy Together Project will drive a grassroots health equity campaign tailored for African American and underserved communities in Cochise County, Arizona. This initiative will assess community health needs, provide targeted education and outreach, and improve access to preventative services. Our mission aligns directly with the NAACP Health Committee’s charge to promote, protect, and maintain the health of our communities.


The project focuses on four pillars:

1.Health Assessments (through surveys and listening sessions);
2.Health Education (monthly forums and social media campaigns);
3.Access to Care (partnering with providers for screenings and referrals);
4.Community Engagement (through events like health fairs and wellness challenges).
 

Key themes include:

 chronic disease prevention, mental health, maternal health, healthy aging, and environmental health justice.


The initiative supports national NAACP priorities such as “health and well-being” while addressing local disparities and barriers.

Health Observances

February Health Observances & Community Actions

February Health Observences3.png

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1.  Black History Month – Health Equity Focus
Focus: Honoring Black medical leaders and addressing health disparities

 

Key Facts:
From maternal mortality to diabetes and cancer, systemic inequities continue to impact the health of Black communities. Awareness and advocacy are tools for change.

 

What You Can Do:

  • Support Black health professionals—visit, refer to, or amplify their work.

  • Learn and share the stories of Black medical pioneers.

  • Host or join a conversation on healthcare rights and access.

  • Promote local policies that improve community health access.

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2.  National Wear Red Day (First Friday of February)

Focus: Women’s heart health awareness

Key Facts:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women—yet many don’t realize the risks, especially in communities of color.

What You Can Do:

  • Wear red and post your photo to raise awareness.

  • Start a conversation about women’s heart health with friends or at church.

  • Honor a heart survivor by sharing their story or walking in their name.​​

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3.  American Heart Month
Focus: Preventing heart disease and promoting healthy living

Key Facts:
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S., and Black communities are at greater risk. High blood pressure, stress, diet, and lack of access to preventive care are major contributors.

What You Can Do:

  • Visit your Primary Care Provider (PCM)

  • Get your blood pressure checked at a clinic, pharmacy, or health fair.

  • Start one heart-healthy habit like walking, eating more veggies, or limiting sodium.

  • Wear red on National Wear Red Day (1st Friday of February) to support awareness.

  • Share heart health facts on social media with family and friends.


4.  National Cancer Prevention Month
Focus: Prevention through early detection and lifestyle choices

Key Facts:
Nearly 40% of cancer cases are preventable. Black Americans face the highest death rates and often have less access to screening and treatment.

What You Can Do:

  • Schedule your cancer screenings—breast, cervical, colorectal, or prostate.

  • Quit tobacco or support someone who is trying to quit.

  • Choose one healthier habit, such as more water, exercising, or eating plant-based meals.

  • Share prevention tips and screening event flyers in your network.


5.  National Children’s Dental Health Month
Focus: Good oral hygiene for kids and families

Key Facts:
Dental disease is the most common chronic condition among children—yet it’s almost entirely preventable. Poor dental health affects confidence, learning, and long-term health.

What You Can Do:

  • Brush and floss daily—and teach kids to do the same.

  • Pack healthy snacks and skip the sugary drinks.

  • Take kids for a dental checkup if it’s been 6 months or more.

  • Distribute dental kits or coloring sheets at school or youth programs.

 

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6.  International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

Focus: Protecting pregnant women and babies from preventable infections

Key Facts:
Prenatal infections can lead to serious birth complications—but most are preventable with hygiene, vaccines, and early prenatal care.

What You Can Do:

  • Encourage flu, Tdap, and COVID vaccines for expecting moms.

  • Promote handwashing and food safety to reduce infection risk.

  • Connect pregnant women to local OB/GYNs, doulas, or health departments.

Highlights from our
2026 MLK Health and Wellness Fair
(Stay tuned for the next Health and Wellness Fair)

Saturday, January 17, 2026

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Blood Drive Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

El Mercado Manny’s Farmers Market, 101 E Wilcox Dr, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Theme: “Healthy Community. Strong Community””

Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Gwen Calhoun

DJ:  Mr. Kenny Anderson II

 

1. Our Purpose & Vision

The MLK Community Health and Wellness Fair is designed to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equity and justice by addressing one of the most critical issues impacting communities — health. This free, family-friendly event will connect residents with essential health resources, screenings, education, and support services. Our goal is to empower the community to take charge of their health while fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, civic leaders, and advocacy organizations.

 

2. Our Objectives

  • Increase Awareness: Educate the community on preventive health care, chronic disease management, and wellness resources.

  • Provide Access: Offer free or low-cost health screenings and immediate referrals.

  • Promote Equity: Address barriers to healthcare access, especially in underserved populations.

  • Build Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration between NAACP and local healthcare systems, clinics, nonprofits, and public health agencies.

  • Inspire Action: Empower individuals to make informed health decisions and advocate for equitable healthcare policies.

 

3. Event Components

A. Greater Huachuca Area Branch NAACP Blood Drive - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Sickle Cell Fighters….Share your strength!!

 

B. Health Screenings & Services 

Offered by local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations:

  • Blood pressure

  • Glucose

  • Cholesterol checks

  • Mental health assessments

 

C. Health Education Workshops (Scheduled throughout the day)

Interactive talks, panels, and Q&A sessions on:

  • My Community Yoga

  •  “Health Equity Is Social Justice” - Mental health awareness and reducing stigma (Chiricahua Health/MESAVerde)

  • “Healthy Living Starts Here” (Dr. Phil Lesueur. M.D., Family Health Center of Sierra Vista)

  •  “Healthy Aging Through Movement” Dr. Nick Rainey, Rainey Pain and Performance)

  • “Holistic Care - Seven Elements of Health & Wellness” Bolanile Patterson

 

D. Kids & Family Zone​

  • Healthy habits workshops for children

  • Fun interactive activities (to include Dental Health interactive activities)

 

E. Community Resource Expo

Tables and booths hosted by (not limited to):

  • Local hospitals and clinics (Canyon Vista Medical Center, Benson Hospital, Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Family Health Services, and others)

  • Public health departments (Cochise County)

  • Cochise College

  • Mental health organizations (NAMI)

  • Fitness centers, wellness coaches, and nutritionists (Planet Fitness, Rainey Pain and Performance)

  • MIKIDS, Easter Seals Blake Foundation

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F. Special Features

  • Wellness Door Prizes: Free incentives (gift cards, gift baskets, gym memberships, grocery vouchers) for participants who visit multiple stations.

  • Wellness Raffle: Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win special gifts and prizes!

 

4. Our Community Partnerships - THANK YOU!

  • Canyon Vista Medical Center

  • Benson Hospital

  • Cochise County Health & Human Services

  • Community Medical Services

  • Chiricahua Community Health Centers

  • National Alliance for the Mental Ill (NAMI)

  • Faith-based health ministries

  • Fitness & wellness centers 

  • HOPE Inc.

  • ACCU Reference Medical LAB

  • Mesa Verde Counseling

  • MIKIDS

  • Blake Easter Seals

  • Roses Poses

  • Planet Fitness 

  • Grace Programs

  • Tobacco Prevention Educator, Cochise County Health & Social Services

  • Sky Island School of Nature and the Arts-Heather Heredia

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2026 MLK Community Health and Wellness Program Schedule

(Main Stage & Workshops)

 

 

9:00 – 9:10 AM

Welcome & Opening Program:  Gwen Calhoun (MC)

  1. Welcome

  2. Brief reflection on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and health equity

  3. Overview of the day’s activities and how to navigate the fair

Parallel Activities:

  • Health Screenings

    • Blood Pressure

    • Glucose

    • Cholesterol

    • Stress Scales

    • and more

  • Kids Zone

    • Health Educations

    • Fun Health Activities

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9:10 – 9:30 AM  Morning Stretch

 

9:30 – 10:15 AM 

Mental health awareness and reducing the stigma (Chiricahua Health/MESAVerde Counseling)

  1. Framing health disparities as a civil rights issue

  2. Why access to care, screenings, and insurance matters for our community

  3. Call to action: using knowledge, advocacy, and community partnerships to close the gap

 

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Featured Talk: Healthy Living Starts Here (Dr. Phil LeSueur, Family Health)

“Your health is your most valuable asset. Prevention keeps you strong, and your partnership with your primary care team turns every visit into an opportunity for a longer, healthier life.”

  • Primary Care as Your First Line of Defense

  • Know Your Numbers — Know Your Health

  • Prepare for Your Visit: Make Every Minute Count

  • Preventive Screenings That Save Lives

    • Red Flags That Should Not Wait

    • Early warning signs and risk factors

    • How to use screenings (BP, glucose, cholesterol) to stay ahead

  • Lifestyle Foundations: Small Habits With Big Impact 

  • Partnering With Your Primary Care Team

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11:30 AM  – 12:15 PM

Featured Talk: Healthy Aging Through Movement (Dr. Nick Rainey, Rainey Pain and Performance)

“Healthy aging is not about avoiding movement—it’s about finding the right movement. With the right plan, every person can stay strong, confident, and independent for years to come.”

  • Movement Is Medicine

  • Functional Strength for Everyday Life

  • Balance & Fall Prevention

  • Keeping Joints Healthy & Pain-Free

  • Posture, Alignment & Longevity

  • Fall-Proofing Your Home & Daily Routine

  • Maintaining Mobility Over Time

  • Pain Is Not a Normal Part of Aging

  • Whole-Person Approach

  • Empowerment & Independence

 

12:30 – 1:15 PM  Lunch & Resource Time

  • Free Lunch

  • Participants may also grab healthy foods from vendors

  • Visit booths, schedule follow-up appointments, talk with providers

  • Short “table talks” at vendor booths (nutrition, fitness, mental health)

 

1:15 – 1:30 PM  Movement Break: Stretch & Move

  • Gentle stretching and light activity for all ages near the main stage

  • Invite attendees to visit screening tables and vendor booths

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1:30 – 2:15 PM

Featured Talk:  Care - Seven Elements of Health & Wellness (Bolanile Patterson)

  • Spiritual Health

  • Emotional Health

  • Mental Health

  • Physical Health

  • Relational Health

  • Financial Health

  • Preventive screenings by age (Pap, mammograms, prostate, colon, etc.)

  • Maternal health and support for caregivers

  • Men’s health myths and barriers to seeking care

 

2:15 – 2:45 PM

Closing Session: From Screening to Action (Gwen Calhoun, MC)

  • Recap of key messages from the day

  • Encouragement to follow up on referrals and next steps

  • Raffle drawings / giveaways (for participants who visited multiple stations)

  • Thank-you acknowledgments for partners, sponsors, and volunteers

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2:45 – 3:00 PM  Event Wrap-Up

  • Final announcements

  • Last call for screenings and blood drive

  • Tear-down and clean-up

GREATER HUACHUCA AREA BRANCH NAACP

PO BOX 477

SIERRA VISTA, AZ  85636

Phone: 866-780-1750

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