The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services Facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in our communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African-Americans. This new facet brings greater focus, resources, and coordination to The Links, Incorporated’s health initiatives already in existence. With the expansion of partnerships with national health agencies, and more definitive structure and support for our health related signature programs, our mission can flourish.

The mission of the Health and Human Services facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in minority communities through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated can play a significant role in providing it. There has been an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and stroke in ethnic communities.

All of the organization’s health-related programs will find a home within this Facet. This includes signature programs such as: HeartLinks, Linkages to Life, and Walk for Healthy Living, as well as the National Childhood Obesity Initiative, oral health, brain health initiatives, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure national partnership.

The Mount Rose (MD) Chapter is creating and supporting programs to promote health and fitness that will align with the organizational National program objectives and Model, Mentor and Motivate! the communities that we serve. 

Since chartering, the Chapter’s Health & Human Services Facet has annually partnered with the DMV Links Chapters to promote health and wellness through a myriad of educational and awareness activities, including the DMV Health Olympics, the DMV Heart Walk, and the Red Dress Event. 

In 2019, the Chapter’s Health & Human Services Facet partnered with a local church and a local nonprofit organization, Open My Heart Foundation, to implement an activity to commemorate Heart Health Awareness Month. This activity was designed to promote heart health and raise awareness about heart disease and how to prevent it, at home and across the community. Through this effort, the Chapter shared educational materials with around two hundred people.