Health & Wellness

The Indianapolis Urban League’s Health and Wellness Department works to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities through health education programs services, and referrals. The IUL engages in systems change initiatives throughout the city to improve access to affordable health care and healthy food. The Indianapolis Urban League’s Health and Wellness programming is responsive to the needs of the community and serves participants from elementary school through adults. Current Health and Wellness programs include Family Food & Fitness, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (TPC).

FAMILY FOOD & FITNESS

Most American children and adults do not eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. People with healthy eating patterns and who get regular physical activities live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.  A healthy eating pattern and physical activity can help manage existing chronic conditions.

Family Food & Fitness program seeks to help families make healthier food choices and choose physically active lifestyles. This program encourages the use of fresh fruits and vegetables through education sessions and cooking demonstrations that provide the tools, support, and information necessary to improve health and lower the risk for chronic disease. The Family Food & Fitness program also helps to improve access to healthy food through partnerships with healthcare systems, farmers, and other community organizations. For more information about the Family Food & Fitness program, contact Tallulah Easley, Director of Health and Wellness, teasley@indplsul.org.

TOBACCO PREVENTION AND CESSATION

Smoking is the leading cause of death in the African American Community and contributes to higher rates of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. There are many factors that contribute to the higher burden of tobacco-related disease or death in the African American community such as the intentional targeting of African-Americans by tobacco companies in their marketing strategies, the high rates of use of menthol-flavored tobacco products, and exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Indianapolis Urban League’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation program efforts work to reduce the prevalence of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke in Marion County through advocacy and education. Educational programming is available to schools, community groups, health care providers, employers, churches, and multi-family housing properties. The Indianapolis Urban League is an active member of Smoke-Free Indy and the African American Coalition against Tobacco and supports state and national initiatives such as No Menthol Sunday. For more information or to schedule an educational presentation, contact Madison Good, Tobacco Program Coordinator, mgood@indplsul.org.

The Indianapolis Urban League is committed to improving public health throughout Indianapolis by providing community members with the tools to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. In conjunction with our partners, we are committed to providing the best possible services and programs. Our goal is to help participants achieve vitality and elevated health through health education, wellness programs, healthy food access, and supportive services.