The People’s Office presents the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Weekend, “Celebrating 5 Years of Faith*Family*Finance*Fitness* & Fun”

The 5th Annual Health and Wellness Weekend on August 18-20, 2017 is strategically designed to unite various communities throughout the 19th Legislative District for the purpose of building relationships and engaging the communal activities. The 2017 Health and Wellness Weekend embodies a holistic approach, focusing on the enhancement of 5 Pillars of health: mental, physical, spiritual, environmental, and economic health.

The Health and Wellness Weekend was conceived by local businessman, Ronald Scott, who was an avid runner and thought a day where African American families could focus on their collective physical health would go a long way in addressing the rising levels of obesity and other preventable chronic illnesses and conditions that far too many local families were experiencing.

Ron’s dream became a reality through partnerships with the Thelma Lovette YMCA, PA State Troopers (Robin Mungo), and the POISE Foundation. Together they crafted what would later become the Health Expo For African American Living (H.E.A.L). The People’s Office of Representative Jake Wheatley of 19th Legislative District, which includes parts of the Northshore, Central Northside, Manchester, Chateau, Fineview, Marshall-Shadeland, Charles Street Valley, California-Kirkbride, Perry Hilltop, and Deutschtown, has also been a presenting partner and advocate for the event since its’ inception.

“This yearly event not only reminds residents of the importance of healthy lifestyles; it also serves as a celebration of the history and vibrancy of our community,” Wheatley said. “My staff and I look forward to sharing this time with as many constituents as possible, and informing them of how we can be of assistance year-round.”

The three day line-up of events will provide resources and opportunities for people to make simple, lifestyle changes. Kickoff event is Friday, August 18th at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture featuring the Opening Night Cocktail Reception to benefit the K Leroy Irvis Scholarship and NEED (Negro Education Emergency Drive).  Hosted by Rep. Wheatley and Rep. Ed Gainey, the evening’s honorees include two of Northside’s own William Generett Jr., President and CEO of Urban Innovation 21 located in Nova Place, Derrick Wilson, President and CEO of The Wilson Group located in Deutschtown Center, and Raqueeba Bey, Co-Founder of Black Urban Gardeners (BUGS) and Farmers Cooperative of Pittsburgh and President of Mama Africa’s Green Scouts.

Saturday, August 19th begins with the 2017 UpHill 5k Run/1 Mile Family Fun Walk at 8AM, registration begins 6:45AM, at the Freedom Corner in the Historic Hill District. The UpHill 5k was created to increase the Health and well-being of African-Americans in the City of Pittsburgh. In addition, the UpHill 5k is s part of a deeply rooted legacy to bring awareness to health disparities that exist in the Hill District and beyond. The UpHill 5k Run showcases the historic Centre Avenue, with other notable historical landmarks, as well as, providing attendees a chance to witness the amazing physical changes that have taken place.

Community Appreciation Day begins 12PM on Saturday, August 19th and was created to bring all the neighborhoods and residents of the 19th Legislative District together. State Representative Wheatley began hosting Community Appreciation Day in 2003. This year marks his 15th year hosting Community Appreciation Day. Community Appreciation Day will take place along Centre Ave. and will consist of a variety of activities for people of all ages, such as: Employment Resource Center, Free entrance and free participation in Thelma Lovette YMCA aerobics classes, gym, pool, etc. will be offered all day, open to everyone (children must be supervised by adult), cooking demonstrations, climbing wall, mental and physical health screenings, community exhibitors, 3 on 3 basketball tournament w/police officers, free food, games, face painting, entertainment, prize giveaways and much more! Full schedule of events and activities can also be found here.

Wrapping up the weekend is the Health Expo for African American Living (H.E.A.L) on Sunday, August 20th from 1PM-4PM at the Warrington Rec Center. This event offers information, activities, and resources that will educate and promote healthy living. The Health Expo will include the following: various health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations, fun physical competitions, children’s activities, DJ, line dancing, performances and more. Full schedule of events and activities can also be found here.

Anyone desiring more information about the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Weekend are asked to contact Wheatley’s office at 412-471-7760 or visit the website www.HWW19TH.COM.

This article is sponsored by the POISE Foundation. POISE Foundation envisions a Pittsburgh Region in which all members of the Black Community are empowered and self-sufficient. It serves to assist the Pittsburgh Region’s Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices, through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking and advocacy.  For more information, contact POISE Foundation at 412-281-4967 or visit www.poisefoundation.org.