Apr
17
Written by:
host
4/17/2009 4:18 PM
Tom Sawyer Company President and CEO Carolyn Sawyer facilitated discussion following the viewing of “Unnatural Causes – Is Inequity Making Us Sick? Part ll, When the Bough Breaks” in Orangeburg, on Saturday, April 18. The event, which was co-sponsored by DHEC, the March of Dimes and others, is being used by thousands of organizations around the country to tackle the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health.
“Unnatural Causes” is the acclaimed documentary series, originally broadcast by PBS, that crisscrossed the nation uncovering startling new findings that suggest there is much more to our health than bad habits, health care, or unlucky genes. The social circumstances in which we are born, live, and work can actually get under our skin and disrupt our physiology as much as germs and viruses. “Part II, When the Bough Breaks” focused on the racial disparity related to infant prematurity and mortality. The film illustrated the astounding concept of how a lifetime of exposure to racism can literally get inside the body and affect the health of newborns.
The “invitation only” audience was made up of approximately 60 community representatives representing schools, colleges, sororities, fraternities, the faith community and the medical community. After the viewing, Sawyer led a frank, open discussion with the group on what they felt contributes to racial disparity. Notes were taken and all participants left forms with their ideas and input. The goal – to focus more on solutions using the strengths of our local community. The group was encouraged to work with the March of Dimes in continuing to raise awareness, volunteer and encourage others to get involved.
You can learn more about “Unnatural Causes” at www.unnaturalcauses.org. You can learn more about the Tom Sawyer Company by calling (803) 252-8773.
For over a decade, the Tom Sawyer Company has been providing award-winning Communications strategies and support to governmental, private sector and non-profit clients world-wide. The agency has been featured in USA Today for its innovative use of technology to execute Communication techniques. The firm has offices in two capital cities: Washington, DC and Columbia, SC.
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