The Links community organization champions community health

A major focus of the Winston-Salem Chapter of the Links, Inc, which is led by LaJoi Wilson-Moore, is providing healthy living education and events, especially for underserved communities. The Links’ Health and Human Services (HHS) Facet sponsors an annual Walk for Healthy Living, provides health education materials, sponsors health seminars and panel discussions and supports the efforts of numerous health organizations. According to Links HHS Facet Chair, Emma White, “An exciting example of our work is the “Share the Link” campaign on which the organization is working with SMSi Healthy Living Solutions, Inc. to support the American Heart Association‘s stroke awareness and prevention program, FAST.

“FAST aims to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and encourages people to get help quickly when these signs appear. The letters stand for F-face drooping, A-arm weakness, S-speech difficulty, T-time to call 911. The Links are encouraging their members, friends, and associates to digitally share information on this effort. Other Link HHS Facet members include Alison Ashe-Card, Dr. Pamela Dockery-Howard, Sharon JeffriesJones, Sandra Miller Jones, Dr. Pamela Oliver, Prennessia Salder-Lambert, Dr. Linda Taylor and Shanita Wooten.

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, with membership of 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters. Link members contribute more than 1 million hours of community service annually to help enhance the welfare of their communities. In addition to Health and Human Services, other Links facets include Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services and International Trends and Services.

• Prescription drugs

• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)

• Laboratory services

• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management

• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)

• Additional benefits

Plans must also include the following benefits:

• Birth control coverage

• Breastfeeding coverage

• Essential health benefits are minimum requirements for all Marketplace plans. Specific services covered in each broad benefit category can vary based on your state’s requirements. Plans may offer additional benefits, including:

• Dental coverage

• Vision coverage

• Medical management programs (for specific needs like weight management, back pain, and diabetes)