BPL's Women's Health Issues Workshop Series Concludes With Family Event at North Birmingham Library on Friday, June 10

Birmingham, Ala. - The Birmingham Public Library is hosting a Finale, Food & Fun Family Event this Friday, June 10, at North Birmingham Branch Library as its Women's Health Issues workshop series launched in March 2022 draws to a close. 

For three months, the BPL hosted a series of six bi-weekly free workshops at North Birmingham Library and Inglenook Branch Library, featuring free meals, healthcare pamphlets, and medical experts addressing the theme: "Critical Health Issues for Women: Providing Healing, Promoting Hope."

The workshops were funded by a $20,000 grant The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library received from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (CFGB). Attendees of this Friday's June 10 finale, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the North Birmingham Branch Library, will receive door prizes, including gas cards.

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.

BPL hosted the 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 of specific diseases, mental wellness, personal growth, and enjoyment. Many of the materials and books are written by Black women for Black women.