Black Women 4 Healthy Living

10/22/2026

Thoughtful Thursday: From Thriving to Surviving

“We can't afford not to educate girls and give women the power and the access that they need.”

First Michelle Obama

BW4HL would like to invite you to an important discussion and meeting, focusing on the rise of HIV diagnoses among Black women and girls in Polk County. This meeting aims to establish a Community-Based Organization dedicated to raising awareness and promoting prevention strategies.

Black Women 4 Healthy Living is dedicated to addressing health disparities and illnesses within our community. We recognize the crucial need for tailored health initiatives that reflect our unique experiences and challenges. By creating a supportive and safe environment and providing essential resources, we strive to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Black women and girls.

Our efforts are enhanced through collaboration with trusted partners like Prime Ed. Together, we are committed to delivering health education and advocacy initiatives. Prime Ed's expertise and resources enable us to extend our reach and improve health awareness.

Meeting Details
Date: October 29th
Time: 6p.m.
Location: virtual
Registration: https://ptlearn.org/Des-Moines3 (see the attached flyer for participation incentives)

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for information on our initiatives and upcoming activities.

10/21/2026

Wellness Wednesday: I am My Sistas' Keeper

Domestic violence and Abuse is verbal, sexual, physical, emotional, mental and Financial. Check on your Neighbors and Community Mothers, Sisters, and Daughters. Unfortunately, the current social climate has exacerbated the violence events in many homes🥺. We are seeing more assaults and suicides😔.

"Intimate partner violence (IPV)💜 is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse."

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

“To excuse it as [‘locker room banter’] or as youthful indiscretion or overzealous romantic interest normalizes male sexual violence,”

Anita Hill

"Strong men — men who are truly role models — don’t need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful."

First Lady Michelle Obama .

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on our initiatives and upcoming activities.

'skeeper

10/18/2026

Black Women 4 Healthy Living had the pleasure of distributing the rest of the Baby Backpacks to the women who couldn't make it to our September Baby Shower.

There is another opportunity to participate in a Community Baby Shower. We're excited to announce that our trusted partners; HealthyBaby; will be having their Baby Bloom on November 14th! Check out the attached flyer for more details and requirements.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on our initiatives and upcoming activities.

10/15/2026

Join Black Women 4 Healthy Living in Empowering Our Community!

At Black Women for Healthy Living, we’re passionate about empowering Black women with the resources and support needed for a healthier lifestyle. We have a host of exciting health-focused activities lined up, and we’d love for you to spread the word to those who could benefit.

🌸 November 7th: Kick off the month with our Black Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group.

👶🏾 November 14th: Celebrate new beginnings with our committed community partner HealthyBaby. Expectant moms can enjoy a day filled with fun, learning, and support. (Registration required)

🎉 November 21st: Join us for the End of the Year BW4HL Health Coalition

🎀 December 5th: Don’t miss the festive cheer at our Black Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group Christmas Celebration.

For more details and to stay updated on our health initiatives, visit our website www.bw4hl.org or contact us at [email protected].

10/14/2026

Wellness Wednesday: Black Women, It's Your Time to Shine

“Anytime you get more than a couple of Black women together, you're creating this powerful mechanism for change.”
— Kimberly Bryant

The journey for voting rights among Black women has spanned over 200 years, continuing well after the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920.

“Your crown has been bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it.”
— Maya Angelou

With the voting polls open, Black Women for Healthy Living invites every Black woman to unite with a Sista Friend and cast your vote! It's your time to shine!

Your vote and voice have a significant impact on policies affecting the quality of air and water in our communities, as well as ensuring equitable access to health care.

Early Voting is available at the Polk County Election Office

2309 Euclid Avenue Des Moines, IA 50310

For more information on upcoming events and activities, please visit our website at www.bw4l.org or contact us at [email protected].

10/12/2026

Motivation Monday: Judicial Health and Black Women

Judicial Health is essential to overall health and well-being. Judicial health provides access to healthcare resources and the ability to make informed decisions about personal health and wellness. It is heavily influenced by local government policies and community action groups.

Historically, when people vote, we see changes that enhance the lives of future generations.

When People Vote:

1. 🖤 1865 - Slavery ended by Abraham Lincoln
2. 🤎 1935 - Established Social Security by Franklin Roosevelt
3. 💛 1946 - Free School Lunch Program by Harry Truman
4. 🩵 1955 - Polio Vaccination Assistance Act by Dwight Eisenhower
5. 💚 1964 - Civil Rights Act by Lyndon Johnson
6. 💜 1977 - Department of Energy and Department of Education
7. ❤️ 2008 - Affordable Health Care by Barack Obama

GET Ready to Vote 2026: Make a Plan to Vote

Be for Iowa’s elections by following these simple steps. Voting empowers a Community to influence and create change at the federal, state, and local levels. Casting your ballot is as easy as registering, providing proof of identification, and voting.

🗳The first step is registering to vote. You can do this online, through the mail, or at the polls on Election Day.
🗳Second, choose which option you prefer for voting:
- Absentee By Mail
- Absentee In Person
- At the Polls on Election Day

Important Dates for the November 2026 General Election

- 🗳 Tuesday, August 25, 2026– First Day to File Absentee Ballot Request with County Auditor
- 🗳 Wednesday, October 14– First Day of Absentee Voting
- 🗳 Monday, October 19 – Pre-registration Deadline; Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to be Mailed received by County Auditor prior to 5:00 p.m. CT
- 🗳 Monday, November 2 – Absentee Ballot In-Person Deadline
- 🗳 Tuesday, November 3– Absentee Ballots Receipt Deadline; Election Day

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. CT. Absentee ballots must be received in your county auditor’s office prior to 8:00 p.m. CT on Election Day.

For more information on upcoming events and activities, please visit our website at www.bw4hl.org or contact us at [email protected].

10/11/2026

Take It Easy, Sis

You deserve care without earning it, rest without guilt, and healing without apology.” — Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R

Black Girl Day Off started back in 2020 on October 11th, thanks to Tomeka Casanova. She came up with this day to shine a light on stress, which often leads to chronic illnesses among Black women.

We're talking about issues like heart disease, breast cancer, and more. This day is all about encouraging Black women to take a breather and focus on self-care. It's also a gentle nudge to society to recognize the mental health needs of Black women, appreciating their strength while tackling the health challenges they face.

The idea is simple: it's time for Black women and girls to hit pause on everyday demands, work, and caregiving roles. Whether it's unplugging from work, taking a break from digital chatter, or just chilling and focusing on self-care—do it without feeling guilty.

Black Women 4 Healthy Living encourages and empowers Black Women to prioritize their health and well-being by actively and intentionally addressing their health journey. Resting is the most valuable and essential treatment to chronic illnesses.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on our initiatives and upcoming activities.

10/11/2026

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

"Dear fellow American,

It is your job to vote. It is your responsibility, your right, and your privilege. You may be pretty or plain, heavy or thin, gay or straight, poor or rich. But remember this: In an election, every voice is equally powerful... don't underestimate your vote.
Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote might make the difference. Don't fool around with this; get the information you need to vote in this election. As a country, we can scarcely perceive the magnitude of our progress. My grandmother and my uncle experienced circumstances that would break your heart. When they went to vote, they were asked impossible questions like, "How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" When they couldn't answer, they couldn't vote. I once debated with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. about whether an African American would ever be elected president. He believed it would happen within the next 40 years at the time; I believed it would never happen within my lifetime. I have never been happier to have been proven wrong. And since President Barack Obama's historic election, we've moved forward in courageous and beautiful ways. More students can afford college, and more families have access to affordable health insurance. Women have greater opportunities to get equal pay for equal work. Yet as Rev. King wrote, "All progress is precarious."So don't sit on the sidelines. Don't hesitate. Don't have any regrets. Vote! Go, rise up, and find out what you need to do to vote and ask your friends to join you. We must make our voices heard."

Maya Angelou

We Only have 28 days😬 to get your Voting Status up to par🤯!!! Start Now!!! Help friends, family and neighbors get their voting status confirmed.

Iowa's Absentee Ballots Information

https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteeinfo.html