"Checking Our Pulse" Exhibit Opens at NAAM October 29, 2010

NORTHWEST AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND SWEDISH OPEN THE EXHIBITION “CHECKING OUR PULSE” TO HONOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT HEALTH DISPARITIES IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

The precarious health of the African American community is deeply influenced by two important and intersecting factors. First, the ways in which we understand and value or own bodies, and second, the trust we place in the individuals and institutions that help care for our bodies. This level of trust is set by our community's collective memory, sharply carved by our problematic history with the world of medicine, our individual experiences, and most importantly, the behavior we see modeled by our family and friends.

In partnership with Swedish to celebrate its 100 years of service in this community, Checking Our Pulse is a celebration of African American medical professionals in our community. Through this celebration, the exhibition raises awareness around universal health issues that disproportionately affect the African American community such as breast cancer, mother/infant health, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease & diabetes.

Finally, Checking Our Pulse is a call to action. It is an exhibition which encourages us to place a higher value on our bodies and invest a greater level of trust in those who have dedicated their lives to helping us with that task. The exhibition is an opportunity to look critically at our own lives and begin making positive decisions that will improve our own health and the health of our families.

WHEN: Exhibit Opens Friday, October 29, 2010 and Runs through June 5, 2011

WHERE: Northwest African American museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle WA 98144. Parking is free.

WHO: Checking Our Pulse will celebrate over 100 African American medical professionals in the Pacific Northwest including:
• Dr. John Vassall, Chief Medical Officer, Swedish Health Services
• Etta Williams, Breast Center Outreach Specialist, Swedish
• Charlotte Foster, Chief Nurse, Swedish Physician Division
• Dr. Ben Danielson, Medical Director, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic
• Dr. Frederica Overstreet, UW Department of Family Medicine
• Bertram Johnson, MultiFaith Works (HIV, AIDS Prevention & treatment)
• Devon Love, Project Director, Center for Multicultural Health
• Frankie Manning, Nurse, Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

COST: Admission Rates: Adults: $6, Students and Seniors: $4, Children: (5 and under) free

WEB: Northwest African American Museum (www.naamnw.org)

Swedish Medical Center (www.swedish.org)

PHONE: Main line (206) 518-6000, or the Museum Store (206) 518-5237

MEDIA CONTACT: Drew Symonds, 206.343.1543 or dsymonds@feareygroup.com

Official Website: http://naamnw.org