“Can I Talk to You Cville” is hosting a community event on April 14 to discuss healthcare accessibility and outcomes in Black communities in central Virginia.
The event is an opportunity to learn about healthcare disparities on a state and local level; hear from experts; connect with locally available resources; and share thoughts and insights into healthcare accessibility and its impact on individual health. Organizers said community input will also help experts and state officials to better understand local situations.
“Can I Talk to You Cville” is a conversation series organized by Charlottesville Inclusive Media partners, Vinegar Hill Magazine and In My Humble Opinion talk show, designed to amplify marginalized voices on important issues and improve connection between residents and decision-makers.
The Black Professional Network and The GOOD Foundation are co-sponsoring the event.
Charles Lewis, co-host of In My Humble Opinion, said the idea for the event emerged when the Blue Ridge Health District, a local part of the Virginia Department of Health, reached out to the Black Professional Network to talk about growing health disparities in the Black community and how the Blue Ridge Health District might better share information with residents.
The April event is designed to inform attendees through panel discussions and sharing their experiences in small focus groups. The insights from the discussion could help inform officials like B. Cameron Webb, recently appointed state health commissioner for the Virginia Department of Health, who will be moderating the event, said Lewis. Webb will also give opening remarks.
The panel will include Doreen Bonett, executive director and co-founder of Birth Sisters of Charlottesville; Gene Cash, CEO and executive director of Counseling Alliance of Virginia, LLC; and Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock, nutritionist and health journalist.
The event will also bring together various vendors and experts on a variety of health topics, ranging from therapy to maternal health, allowing attendees to make connections and plan further steps for their wellness. There will be on-site health screening, food and childcare available.
“It’s a welcoming and safe space for the community to have an open discussion on how to better our health and safety. It’s an opportunity to have a private dialogue and to meet folks who make connections that will better help ourselves and our families and our community,” said Lewis.
Take action
Attend a free community event on Black health and wellness
“Can I Talk to You Cville” is hosting a free event about disparities in health outcomes in Black communities in Charlottesville and the surrounding area.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the Main Auditorium, Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St. NW, Charlottesville. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The event will include a panel and small group discussions. There also will be vendors from whom attendees can learn about available health and wellness resources and the ability to do a quick on-site health screening. Food and childcare will be provided. To attend, register online.
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