By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center is resolved to tackling health care in the New Year. AHEC unveiled Life Beat yesterday, a campaign created to address the growing health disparities on Buffalo's East Side and other communities of color.
"I got this medical bill in the mail yesterday for $1,500, I called them up and said, what the hell am I supposed to do?"
The angry tone of this man's voice might sound familiar. Most people have either experienced similar frustration with the health care industry, or know someone who has. But this man, Harold, is a fictional character. He's a member of the Alafia Theatre project that offers free performances to illustrate the challenges that especially face people of color. And, more importantly, to offer solutions. It's part of the Life Beats campaign by AHEC.
"We're encouraging people to take a look at their lifestyle. What is it that they'd like to change? Do you what to eat healthier, do you want to cook differently?" said Executive Director Mary Craig. "What something new do you want to do?"
Life Beat offers plenty of suggestions -- everything from healthy cultural recipes, to science camps that inspire kids to go into medical and science careers. Traditions are yet another way A-HEC is hooking kids early. Winde Nnochirionye heads the quilting program, "Covering Every Angle."
"Covering every angle uses a different approach, or a different angle to teach children math," said Nnochirionye. "Through quilting they get geometry, algebra. They get creative thinking, analytical thinking, problem solving. And also as they are going into science and health related fields, they need this math. I mean, it's critical."
For more information on the year-long "Life Beats" campaign you can contact the Area Health Education Center on Linwood Avenue in Buffalo.