2006 SOUL STROLL FOR HEALTH... PRESS RELEASE

May 2, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Margie O’Clair (650-696-5303)

Former 49er star leads 5th annual Soul Stroll for Health

More than 2,000 walkers are expected to join former San Francisco 49er football star Jamie Williams in the 5th annual Soul Stroll for Health Saturday, May 20, at Coyote Point Park in San Mateo. Williams is honorary chair of this year’s event, sponsored by the African American Community Health Advisory Committee (AACHAC) in partnership with dozens of community organizations.

The non-competitive event is the largest in the Bay Area to focus on health issues in the African American community, with 2,500 participants in 2005. It includes a walk on one of three bayside trails, free health screenings, recreation for children, a disc jockey and the opportunity to learn about healthy lifestyles.

Registration is $15, which helps support AACHAC programs in the community. Continental breakfast and registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is provided. For more information or to register, visit www.aachac.org or call 650-696-4275.

The goal, according to AACHAC chair and founder Gloria Brown, is to raise awareness of the benefits of good nutrition and exercise in preventing disease.

AACHAC sponsors a variety of health screenings and education in the community on topics including cancer prevention, heart health, diabetes and nutrition. In partnership with Mills-Peninsula Health Services, the group also hosts annual prostate cancer and breast cancer awareness events and provides free mammograms on one Sunday a month at Mills-Peninsula’s Women’s Center.

“Together with our churches, and with the help of Mills-Peninsula, we are making real strides in our community,” Brown said. “Our goal is to help people understand we can control many aspects of our health. We can reduce our risk for heart disease and cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices and making sure we get the appropriate screenings and medical care.”

The Saturday walk event is part of a two-day celebration that begins with an invitation-only banquet on Friday, May 19, at which three “Heroes for Health” will be honored for their contributions to community health improvement.

This year’s winners are:

Rev. Desmond Henry, of the East Palo Alto Community Church is a long-time health advocate in San Mateo County. Rev. Henry retired from the Health Plan of San Mateo County, served on AACHAC's initial planning committee and his congregation is an important member of AACHAC's partnering churches.

June Wallace works for the California Transplant Donor Network. She spends hours traveling throughout the Bay Area getting the message out about organ donations in the African American community. Wallace has partnered with AACHAC on numerous programs, providing educational materials and monetary support for more than five years.

Chris B. Treatt, M.D., is new to the Bay Area, but immediately got involved with AACHAC at the 2005 Annual Prostate Awareness Sunday program. Dr. Treatt has made himself very accessible to the community in heightening prostate cancer awareness.

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The African American Community Health Advisory Committee
A partnership with Mills-Peninsula Health Services