The Black Women's Expo , now its 18th year since its founding, has become one of the nation's premiere expositions targeting African-American female consumers. And drugstore chain Walgreen's decided to tap into the estimated 25,000 guests that attend each year by sponsoring a pavilion at this year's event in Chicago's McCormick Place this weekend.
The company's AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour bus is offering women free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index, flu shots for $10 and a beauty bar showcasing popular cosmetics.
"Reaching women of color is an important health initiative. Nearly two-thirds of all Americans live within three miles of a Walgreen's and more than 40 percent of Walgreen's stores are located in medically underserved areas,” said Walgreen's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cheryl Pegus. She is offering a series of speed dating-style consultations with numerous health professionals to inform as many women as possible about diabetes, HIV, heart disease and other diseases plaguing the black community to better take care of themselves and their families.
Past highlights of the expo include speeches and seminars from Cicely Tyson, Susan L. Taylor and Tavis Smiley, as well as entertainment from Brian McKnight, Chaka Khan and Trey Songz. This year actress Loretta Devine is the keynote speaker for the Awards Gala at the two-day State Farm-sponsored event "designed to empower, enlighten and educate women and girls of all ages," according to the Chicago Defender.