Baton Rouge, LA – In the spirit of collaboration and community impact, the Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., along with its chapter in Belize, has united to host the organization’s signature Essential Programs across its five Areas. This initiative, led by Programs Coordinator Ashlee McGhee, involves chapters and affiliates identifying cities within their Areas to deliver impactful events in partnership with the Region.
On Saturday, October 11, 2024, the Essential Program Activation series continued in Area V under the leadership of Area Coordinator Stefanie Gilchrist. The Women’s Wellness Initiative was hosted at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where all Louisiana chapters joined forces to address critical healthcare disparities affecting women.
Women’s Wellness Fair: Empowering Women, Saving Lives
The event featured a Women’s Wellness Fair offering free health screenings such as mammograms and HIV testing, designed to break down barriers to healthcare access. By addressing financial, geographic, and informational challenges, this initiative brought vital health services directly to underserved communities. Participating organizations included:
Woman's Hospital Mammogram Bus
Southern University Jag Mobile
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
NMDP (Formerly Be the Match)
Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge
Seaux Fancy Beauty: Wigs for Cancer Patients
American Heart Association
In addition to health screenings, members and affiliates of Louisiana, the Region's National Programs Committee, and the Regional Leadership Team, including Regional Director/Syntaktes LaTisha Brandon, assembled more than 100 survivor kits filled with essential items for cancer patients at Woman’s Hospital. Each kit also included a handwritten note, offering encouragement and hope to patients undergoing treatment.
A Call to Action for Health Equity
This event emphasized the importance of early detection, particularly for breast cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women. By raising awareness and empowering attendees with knowledge and resources, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. continues its mission to make a greater impact in communities.
“This initiative was about more than just providing resources; it was about fostering a community of support and ensuring that every woman has the tools she needs to face health challenges with dignity and strength,” said Syntaktes LaTisha Brandon.
Upcoming Essential Programs
The Women’s Wellness Initiative: Louisiana, October 2024 – Focusing on critical health issues affecting women, particularly women of color.
Project Cradle Care: Oklahoma, January 2025 – Raising awareness about the disparate maternal and infant health outcomes faced by Black women.
Youth Symposium: Arkansas, March 2025 – Addressing pressing issues impacting youth, such as drug abuse, teen violence, and human trafficking.
Swim 1922: South Texas, May 2025 – Partnering with USA Swimming to increase swim participation and reduce drowning rates.
The Southwestern Region is dedicated to serving communities and creating lasting change through these impactful programs. To learn more or support, visit www.sigmaswregion.com/area4.