S*1197 Resolution, By Setzler
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE HEARTFELT GRATITUDE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA
 SENATE FOR THE FINE WORK OF THE BROOKLAND FOUNDATION'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS
 PROGRAM, AND TO HONOR THE ORGANIZATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE TENTH
 ANNIVERSARY OF ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR.

   02/18/10  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-3

TO EXPRESS THE HEARTFELT GRATITUDE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE FOR THE FINE WORK OF THE BROOKLAND FOUNDATION'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM, AND TO HONOR THE ORGANIZATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR.

Whereas, the Brookland Foundation's Health and Wellness Program, led by the Reverend Charles B. Jackson, Sr., seeks to educate the community with information that encourages the pursuit of optimal health and to eliminate health disparities among all races through its community health fair, held annually on the second Saturday of March; and

Whereas, established in 1982 as part of the Brookland Baptist Church ushers' ministry, the Brookland Foundation's Health and Wellness Program had as its initial goal the provision of first aid to people in need of medical assistance during church services; and

Whereas, in 2000, the group expanded its services to include a combined health fair and career day to offer health screenings and introduce health career options to high school students. Over the subsequent decade, the health fair has grown from a small event servicing about fifty church members to a large annual community event hosting an average of five hundred citizens from throughout the State; and

Whereas, the health fair provides free health screenings for prostate cancer; HIV/AIDS; high blood pressure; heart disease; sickle-cell disease; elevated cholesterol; breast cancer; diabetes; kidney disease; vision, hearing, and dental problems; and many other health challenges; and

Whereas, in addition, the event offers a wide range of medical and health care businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and educate the public on health-related issues. Event planners work closely with area hospitals and health-related businesses to make a positive impact on the health of the people of the surrounding community; and

Whereas, also among this year's numerous health fair offerings are free sports physicals to middle or high school students participating in team sports, CPR training, and first-aid training; and

Whereas, in 2009, the Health and Wellness Program was removed from the Brookland Baptist Church ushers' ministry and placed under the direction of the Brookland Foundation to better enable the program to make an even greater impact on the community and the State of South Carolina; and

Whereas, other projects of the Brookland Foundation's Health and Wellness Program, all of which are open to the public, include the Wellness Center Weight Loss Challenge, Red Dress and Red Tie Campaign, and Cancer Awareness and Prevention; and

Whereas, on March 13, 2010, the Brookland Foundation's Health and Wellness Program will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its community health fair. The Senate, on behalf of the people of South Carolina, extends its gratitude for the critically significant accomplishments of the health fair, and the members offer sincerest wishes for continued success. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express the heartfelt gratitude of the South Carolina Senate for the fine work of the Brookland Foundation's Health and Wellness Program, and honor the organization on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of its community health fair.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Reverend Charles B. Jackson, Sr., on behalf of the Brookland Foundation's Health and Wellness Program.