Equal Hope

The countdown is ON! Our monthly podcast drops on Tuesday, 4/1, and it’s going to be packed with fresh insights and exciting conversations! We’ll have more information soon. Don’t miss it!

We all know that mental health and substance use are deeply intertwined, yet they’re often seen as separate struggles. Join us for dinner followed by a powerful presentation and discussion that explore these critical issues and their real-world impact. This is a chance to learn, share, and start important conversations because change begins with awareness. Let’s come together to build a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.

What a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month! Last Friday, our CEO, Paris Thomas, PhD, attended the Women in Power celebration, where Chicagoland leaders came together to honor the incredible women who are making a difference. It was a powerful reminder of the impact women have across all sectors. Photo credit:?Onyx Strategic Partners, LLC

Join us tomorrow, March 15th, for the “Shhh. We Don’t Talk About That.” panel discussion at the 4th Annual Black Wellness Fair! ????? Too often, conversations about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment go unspoken. This powerful panel will break the silence, bringing together medical experts, advocates, and survivors to discuss the importance of awareness, access, and community support. ?? March 15 | ? 1:00 – 1:45 PM ?? Chicago Urban League ? Panelists: ??? Yvonne Collins, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer, @CountyCare ??? Paris Thomas, PhD – Executive Director, Equal Hope ??? Venita Flucker – Cervical Cancer Survivor & Physician Assistant, JHS Hospital of Cook County ?????? Moderated by: Chelsea Whittington – Chief Executive Officer, C WHITT PR ?? RSVP now! Don’t miss this critical discussion. Register today: bit.ly/BWF2025 #blackwellnessfair #cancerawareness #EarlyDetection #healthmatters #chicagoevents #WomensHistoryMonth #WellnessForAll

This Women’s History Month,?Girls Inc. of Chicago?is honoring the incredible women who are making a lasting impact in our communities. Through their She Shines leadership program, they're shining a spotlight on Chicago’s strong, smart, and bold female leaders who are empowering women and girls across the city. One of them is our very own CEO, Paris Thomas, PhD! Join us on Saturday, March 22nd at?Black Pearl for Arts?for a celebration of excellence as we recognize these outstanding women and their contributions to our city. Let’s come together to celebrate their leadership and inspire the future! Get your tickets today. https://ow.ly/t6be50VikvQ

Almost 40 years since the pink ribbon entered public consciousness and became a marketing juggernaut, women generally have little awareness of their own risk factors. https://ow.ly/Zmzz50Vi80q

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is responsible for approximately 37,800 cases of cancer in the U.S. each year. https://ow.ly/9hQM50VhtOb

To all the incredible women who inspire, lead, and break barriers—today we celebrate you!

I am proud to be an ambassador and participant in the American Cancer Society's VOICES of Black Women study. As the daughter of a two-time breast cancer survivor and a caregiver, I've witnessed firsthand how breast cancer impacts families, particularly women of color. My personal journey with breast cancer risk began early. Due to family history and breast density, I've been getting mammograms since age 26. I'm grateful for providers who recognized my risk factors, even as a woman under 40. Discovering Equal Hope was a turning point, igniting my commitment to ensuring all women have access to quality healthcare for proper screening and diagnosis. This is crucial because: -Black women, while diagnosed less often, are more likely to die from breast cancer -Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Black women under 50 are being diagnosed with breast cancer at alarming rates -Latine women, often underrepresented in public health data, face high rates of breast and gynecological cancers We cannot ignore the role of structural determinants and racism in these disparities. Black women, in particular, are dying far too young from these cancers. The American Cancer Society's commitment to understanding these structural impacts on Black women through the VOICES study is commendable. This initiative aims to recruit 100,000 Black women for the largest study of cancer risk and outcomes among Black women in the U.S. As public health professionals, we must stay committed to our communities. Join me in supporting this vital research that could save lives and reduce health disparities. https://lnkd.in/gyWSnzSb #VOICESofBlackWomen #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthEquity #AmericanCancerSociety #EqualHope

#DYK: Long-lasting infections with high-risk #HPVs can cause anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Learn more: https://go.nih.gov/5eJ9Ull