Free health screenings will be offered at event in Louisville's Russell neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Norton Healthcare and the African American Male Wellness Agency are partnering for an event to address health disparities in the African American community.

Black Men's Wellness Day will be held on Aug. 24 from 7 a.m. to noon at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in the Russell neighborhood. There will be health screenings and wellness resources at the free community event.

"Men living in West Louisville have a lower life expectancy than men living in East Louisville by 16 years," Kamari Wooten, local coordinator, Black Men’s Wellness Day, said in a news release. "Events like this help connect Black men to health care providers and community resources in an effort to close that gap and improve health outcomes."

Free screenings for men 18 and older will be offered, including blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index with height and weight check, HIV testing by Volunteers of America.

According to a news release, resources will be available from Norton Infectious Diseases Institute, Norton Neuroscience Institute stroke prevention, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute heart health information, Norton Orthopedics Institute, Norton West Louisville Hospital and Norton Healthcare Talent Acquisition.

There will also be a 5K walk and run, more than 100 vendors, bounce houses for children, a DJ and light refreshments.

"We want everyone, especially the men we cherish, to get screened and learn the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health," Corenza Townsend, chief administrative officer, Norton West Louisville Hospital, said in a news release.

For more information on the event, click here.

Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center is located at 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

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