If you’ve attended any health and wellness events over the past 11 years, chances are Charlotte’s Cheryl Emanual played a role in the planning it. Emanuel is community health administrator/health manager for the Mecklenburg County Health Department – a job she’s had since 2000.

Since then, Emanuel has worked tirelessly leading community think tanks, organizing events to promote wellness, (i.e., Faithful to the Call Walk) and working closely with health groups, minority organizations, universities, community and faith-based organizations, as well as the private sector.

On Monday, Oct. 3., Emanual will be found where she is comfortable – promoting health at the first-ever “Mecklenburg County Town Hall Conversation: The Affordable Healthcare Act.” The free event will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (reception at 5 p.m.) at Johnson C. Smith University (Grimes Lounge), 100 Beatties Ford Road. Qcitymetro caught up with Emanual to get more details on why this event is crucial. Answers have been edited for brevity.

Why is this event important?

Emanuel: The town hall meeting is designed to provide a unique opportunity to gain critical information on PPACA -- The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (signed into law by President Obama, March 23, 2010). The historic legislation provides access to health care, provides provisions to reduce health disparities and prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to adults and children with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the intent of the town hall conversation is to identify individuals and/organizations to serve as local community ambassadors on specific legislations and how to access resources. We must be visible in the broader health-care arena and willing to assume leadership positions.

In North Carolina, ranks of the uninsured have grown here more than any other state since the start of the economic downturn. It is critical for the community to have facts and a basic understanding of legislation. The town hall conversation will explore the critical facts of the PPACA, by giving participants a strong voice to increase their knowledge about new legislation.

Why should minorities, in particular, attend?

Emanuel: Our health status to access resources clearly will depend on our ability to understand that minority families suffer disproportionately -- from high incidents of illness, chronic diseases and mortality rates. Minorities must be equipped with knowledge and be ready to connect to existing and proposed federal, state and local resources.

What is the event take-away; what are you hoping to accomplish?

Emanuel: It is urgent for Mecklenburg County communities to begin conversations about health care reform. I hope the town hall conversation will be a catalyst for educating the people of Mecklenburg County and throughout the state regarding key health facts. Also, to dispel myths and connect health care resources to family, friends and community members who are uninsured and underserved, and to empower each other to think about the importance of prevention. If individuals need treatment, we must help them connect and have access to resources.

Why is the county involved?

Emanuel: Mecklenburg County Health Department wants to make sure individuals have access to knowledge and existing resources.

Why is this event important to you personally?

Emanuel: Many of my family members and friends are unemployed without health insurance and have limited knowledge on how to access resources. Because the PPACA is new legislation, I want to be in a position with the facts and to help.

For more details on the town hall conversation, contact Emanual weekdays, 704-432-0216.

Save these dates, too!

Chocolate For A Cure Gala: Saturday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The event aims to raise awareness of breast cancer among African Americans while supporting breast cancer foundations. The event will be held at the Omni Hotel in uptown Charlotte. Tickets: $35. For more details, call 1-877-993-8499.

Men’s Health Symposium: Saturday, Oct. 8, 8:30 - 1 p.m. The Brotherhood of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and 100 Black Men sponsor this annual event, which is held at the church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road. FREE workshops, give-aways and FREE screenings for men. For more details, 704-392-0392.

Until, next time, I wish you good health and wellness!

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