Inglenook Library to Host Women's Health Issues Workshop Tonight, May 27

  

Birmingham, Ala. - Join Inglenook Branch Library, 4100 40th Terrace North, for a discussion on women's health issues from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 27, 2022. It is the last in a series of free women's health workshops the Birmingham Public Library  began hosting in March 2022.

The workshops, funded by a $20,000 grant The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library received from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (CFGB), conclude with a Finale, Food & Fun Family Event being held on Friday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the North Birmingham Branch Library.  Attendees of the finale will receive door prizes including gas cards.

Tonight's event at Inglenook Library will feature keynote speaker Dr. Mia Cowan, founder of MiBella Wellness Center. An award-winning author and experienced doctor, Dr. Cowan specializes in gynecology, wellness, weight management, and intimacy. In addition to gaining valuable health care information from Dr. Cowan, attendees will receive dinner, door prizes, and take-home literature about health issues. There will also be free child care provided, fun family games, and more. 

Registration in advance is required. Call (205) 226-4025 for more information. 

BPL began hosting these events at Inglenook and North Birmingham Libraries in March after the BPL Friends Foundation received the grant from the Community Foundation's Health Advised Fund. These free workshops aim to address the physical and mental effects of environmental racism on generations of women and children in Birmingham’s North Birmingham and Inglenook neighborhoods.

Over a three-month period, BPL has hosted health events at its North Birmingham and Inglenook library branches, targeting communities who live near the ABC Coke plant, especially Black women and children. The programs include health-focused learning sessions, on-site interviews and screenings, talks by health experts, and take-home materials to extend these benefits into daily living.

After the Jefferson County Board of Health received a settlement from Drummond Co. (owner of the ABC Coke plant) for $387,500 for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson told CBS 42 they wanted to give back to the communities impacted by the environmental health violations.

“I am glad to see these settlement funds being used for the health benefit of the community,” said Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson in a statement to BPL. “On behalf of the Jefferson County Department of Health and the Board of Health, I wish to thank the Birmingham Public Library for their work to empower people with knowledge and tools that can lead to healthier lives.” 

In addition to the series of programs, BPL has identified library books and pamphlets that address the prevention and care specific diseases, mental wellness, personal growth, and enjoyment. Many of the materials and books are written by Black women for Black women.

“As members of the community and based on BPL’s historically successful outreach efforts into these neighborhoods, we understand that programs offered after work—and with a meal—have much greater chance of success than those that require attendees to find and pay for childcare and dinner,” BPL said in its grant application.