(BLACK PR WIRE) – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (January 30, 2013) – On Thursday, January 31, 2013, the Urban League of Broward County will host a series of events to launch a community-wide health initiative. The series begins with a press conference to announce the official publication release of the State of Black Broward Health Report (SOBB) and will be followed by the Focus on Health Symposium. The Urban League will also host its 2013 Annual Business Meeting. These events well be held at the Urban League of Broward County’s Community Empowerment Center located at 560 NW 27th Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 and the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, which is located adjacent to the Urban League Community Empowerment Center. 

State of Black Broward (SOBB) Health Report Press Conference – Jan 31st at 9:15 am (Held at the Urban League of Broward County’s Community Empowerment Center) 

The State of Black Broward Health Report is the first publication by the Urban League of Broward County since 1994. The publication was funded by Sunshine State Health Plan and Centene Corporation—who is a national leader in the healthcare services field with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative solutions to healthcare issues. The press conference for the SOBB will begin at 9:15 am with Sunshine State Health Plan CEO and Urban League Board Member Chris Paterson unveiling the publication and providing remarks. After the release of the publication the media and guests will have an opportunity to ask questions. This SOBB health report was developed to provide our local community a snapshot of the state of health for Blacks living in Broward County. The goal is to develop an objective tool that can be used by political, business, civic, community and grassroots leaders to prepare for the future in healthcare, a tool that measures the disparities that exist between racial/ethnic groups in Broward County and a tool that calls us to urgent action. The SOBB is a comprehensive comparative analysis of a variety of health issues facing Broward County across all races.
 
Focus on Health Symposium – Jan 31st at 10:00 am (Held at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center) 

The Focus on Health Symposium will discuss the findings from the State of Black Broward Health Report. There will be a panel presentation on health equity with Dr. Carmen Shirley as the moderator. Dr. Shirley is a respected leader, a Broward County native and a physician. The symposium will take place from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center located at 2650 NW 6th Street in Ft. Lauderdale.  

2013 Annual Business Meeting – Jan 31st at 12:15 pm (Held at the Urban League of Broward County’s Community Empowerment Center) 

The Urban League of Broward County will hold its 2013 Annual Business Meeting with guest speaker Mr. Michael F. Neidorff Chairman, President and CEO of Centene Corporation. Mr. Neidorff has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Centene Corporation since May 1996. He has an extensive track record in both starting and managing health maintenance organizations and is a key player in the Medicaid managed-care industry. On January 31st Mr. Neidorff will bring remarks related to the business of health and the importance of Urban League of Broward County and other community-based organizations efforts to improve healthcare. The 2013 Annual Business Meeting will highlight the Urban League’s accomplishments between fiscal year July 2011 and June 2012 and welcome new members to the Board of Directors. The Urban League will also welcome new board chair, Fred Perry, Senior Vice President, Bank of America. 

For more information, contact the Alica Brown, Marketing and Events Manager (954) 625-2544 or abrown@ulbcfl.org or visit us online at www.ulbroward.org. The events are free and open to the public however, registration is required. To register for the Annual Business Meeting, visit www.ulbroward.org/annual-meeting. To register for the Focus on Health Symposium, visit www.ulbroward.org/focushealth.

The Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit, community based organization founded in 1975. We empower communities and change lives in the areas of education, jobs, housing and health. Our mission is to assist African Americans and other disenfranchised groups in the achievement of social and economic equality. Programs/services include affordable housing development and redevelopment, youth development, diversion, employment and training, education and community empowerment and civic engagement.