The 3rd Annual Black Family Wellness Expo took place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Carver-Lyon Elementary School, bringing together families, healthcare providers, and community organizations to promote health and wellness. This annual event continues to be a vital resource for families, offering valuable information, interactive demonstrations, and free health screenings to encourage healthier lifestyles.
This year’s expo featured engaging activities for all ages, including puppet skits and conversations designed to teach young scholars about healthy living. Carolina Children’s Dentistry led interactive oral health demonstrations, educating children on the importance of proper dental care. Serve & Connect facilitated a community wall activity, promoting unity and togetherness, while Chef J captivated attendees with live cooking demonstrations focused on healthy snacking for children.
Local healthcare and community organizations played a key role in providing resources and screenings. Representatives from Prisma Health, SC Thrive, and the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation
were on-site to share critical health information and conduct screenings or provide screening resources. PITCH (Positively Influencing the Community with Heart), a nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness and food insecurity, also provided vital information for families in need.
The Columbia Links chapter of The Links, Incorporated, organized and hosted the event, furthering its mission to improve the lives of those in the community through service and advocacy. The Links, Incorporated, a national organization of professional women committed to civic engagement, health, education, and cultural enrichment, continues to support initiatives that positively impact the health and well-being of African American families.
The event offered something for everyone, from free books in the reading corner to wellness giveaways, health screenings, and demonstrations aimed at fostering healthy habits. With a focus on improving overall well-being, the Black Family Wellness Expo remains a cornerstone event in Columbia, empowering families with the knowledge and resources needed to lead healthier lives.
