By Christina Compere Minor
Florida A&M University (FAMU) First lady Sharon Robinson welcomed more than 20 community partners in health and wellness to campus to celebrate Women’s History Month.
During the event, hundreds of attendees engaged in activities that focused on empowering women in the community and on campus. Students, faculty, and staff could receive free HIV testing, sickle cell, and health screenings.
Some of the vendors included the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Department of Health for Leon County, Florida Health, Refuge House, HCA Florida Capital Hospital, North Florida Women’s Care, Neighborhood Medical Center, Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., Florida Department of Children and Families, Capital Health Plan, the Center of Mental Health in the Big Bend Apalachee Center, FAMU Medical Marijuana Education and Research Institute (MMERI), Big Bend Cares, FAMU School of Allied Health Sciences and the FAMU Student Health Services.
“It’s so important to practice self-care,” said FAMU Student Health Services Director Tanya Tatum. “Learning how to take care of ourselves because we spend so much time taking care of somebody else and making sure that you take the time out when you need to.”
Women of all ages and backgrounds enjoyed a tea party-style spread of refreshments and network with each vendor to learn more about the opportunities for achieving better health practices and resources in the North Florida area.
Robinson encouraged guests to hug each other and engage in breathing exercises to relieve women’s daily stress. She was excited to celebrate women at the event and to share the on-site testing and materials to encourage attendees to practice safe sex.
“We have so many community partners here that provide free on-site tests,” Robinson said during the event. “Many partners are here to encourage you and your family to be healthy while we continue to strengthen and empower women.”
