Black Family Wellness Expo: Health Resources & Screenings in Tallahassee

SOUTH TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Black Family Wellness Expo connected Tallahassee residents with vital health screenings and educational resources this past Saturday, aiming to address health disparities within the community.

Hosted by the Tallahassee chapter of The Links Incorporated, in partnership with Florida A&M University Developmental Research School, the event prioritized education, preventative measures, and screenings for conditions that disproportionately impact the Black community. The expo took place on March 6, 2026, at Florida A&M University from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m.

Several organizations participated, offering a range of services including dental screenings, vaccinations, and general health testing. This year’s event placed a particular emphasis on kidney health, a condition often undetected and prevalent among African Americans.

Dr. Darice Richard-Mitchell, Vice President of the Tallahassee Chapter of The Links Incorporated, explained the core mission of the expo. “Well, really, our hope is for our community to get the education, get the awareness, and get the resources that are available in our community,” she said.

Nephrologist Dr. Daryl Crenshaw highlighted the often-silent nature of kidney disease. “Unfortunately, a tremendous amount of individuals in the United States are burdened with kidney disease. Unfortunately, 90% of people who actually have kidney disease do not know they have it,” Crenshaw stated.

Crenshaw further explained the common underlying causes of the disease. “The two most predominant reasons people develop kidney disease are from diabetes and hypertension, or a combination of both,” he said.

Attendees benefited from on-site health screenings and gained valuable insights into their personal health. Kendra Brooks, an event attendee, shared how the expo prompted her to re-evaluate her lifestyle. “I learned about my A1C levels today, and it just gave me awareness on changing my eating habits, my overall health in general, and just making necessary changes,” Brooks said.

Richard-Mitchell underscored the importance of accessible information in improving health outcomes. “Education, resources, and awareness is the first key. You have to understand what’s going on with your body to understand how you can be better,” she emphasized.

The Black Family Wellness Expo, expecting over 500 attendees ranging from infants to seniors, aims to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. The event is part of a larger effort by the Tallahassee chapter of The Links Incorporated to address health disparities both locally and nationally.

The expo builds on the success of previous events, including the Third Annual Black Family Wellness Expo held earlier this month, and represents a continued commitment to strengthening the health of the Tallahassee community.