MEDIA ADVISORY - Building Healthy Communities for All New Jerseyans

New Jersey YMCA State Alliance to Address Reparations, Access to Healthier Food & Mental Health Support at Statewide Conference on Advancing Health Equity May 9-10 in Long Branch

LONG BRANCH, N.J. - May 6, 2024 - PRLog -- The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (the Alliance) is hosting its 11th annual Culture of Health Conference on May 9-10 in Long Branch, bringing together more than 200 policymakers, community leaders, public health professionals and social justice advocates to address health disparities that lead to higher rates of chronic disease, infant mortality, and mental health issues among many New Jerseyans, especially those in underserved communities.

What:  "Navigating Systems for Deepening Community Impact" is the theme of the conference, which will delve into topics vital for building thriving communities, including food access, healthcare, behavioral health, education, and physical environment, safety and social connectedness, and economic stability.

The conference will feature a viewing and discussion of "Exploring Food Inc. 2," a documentary that follows "2008 Food, Inc.," nominated for an Oscar and Emmy.

Where: Ocean Place Resort & Spa, 1 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740

When:  Thursday, May 9, 3-6 p.m., beachside reception (by invitation)
Friday, May 10, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., keynotes and conversations

Who:    30+ Speakers, Including:

• Julie Gallanty, chief executive officer, the Alliance, welcome remarks, 9:15 a.m.
• Sharif Braxton, community officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, opening remarks, 9:30 a.m.
• Errol L. Pierre, DBA, MPA, senior vice president, State Programs, Healthfirst, author of "The Way Up," presenting "The Way Healthcare is Financed in America Exacerbates Health Disparities," 10:05-11:20 a.m.
• Siomarra Wedderburn, LSW, chief executive officer, Be Inc. Collective, keynote presenter, "Cultivating a Healing Centered Approach," 12:15-1:15 p.m.
• High school students, "Speaking Youth to Power," 1:20-2:35 p.m.
• Jean-Pierre Brutus, Esq., Ph.D., senior counsel, Economic Justice Program at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, keynote presenter, "A Path Forward: NJ's Reparations Council, 2:45-3:45 p.m.