BY: Yasmine Malone | February 10, 2026
Clarksdale, Mississippi– Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale hosted a vibrant and impactful Heart Health Fair on February 6, 2025, in recognition of National Wear Red Day and American Heart Month. National Wear Red Day, celebrated annually, marked 21 years of the American Heart Association’s Go Red movement, which raises awareness that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.
Heart disease disproportionately affects African American women, making the event especially significant in Clarksdale. “We often take care of our families, our churches, and our communities while neglecting our own health,” said Diane Mitchell. “This event is about shifting that mindset and reminding both women and men that taking care of yourself is essential.”
The first floor of Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center was filled with energy and excitement as men and women from across the community gathered, many wearing red to show their support for heart health awareness. The fair brought together a diverse group of community organizations and health advocates who shared a common goal of prevention, education, and empowerment.
Vendors offered comprehensive health screenings, hands-on demonstrations, and wellness education designed to promote a holistic and heart-healthy lifestyle. The Coahoma Community College Health Science Licensed Practical Nursing Class of 2026 provided free blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing, giving attendees valuable insight into their current health status.
“Hands-on experience is extremely necessary for students,” said Terri Williams, NP, Lead Practical Nursing Instructor. “It allows students to experience real-life scenarios, connect classroom theory to practice, sharpen their clinical skills, and build rapport within the community. It also helps them become recognized as potential healthcare candidates upon graduation.”
TruCcare, Rootswell, Tougaloo College Delta Health Partners, and other community-oriented organizations offered information about the various services they provide, including health insurance options and access to health resources.
The fair also featured interactive CPR training hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Delta Omega Chapter. Participants gained practical, lifesaving skills they could use in real-world emergencies. Clean-eating cooking tutorials were another highlight, reinforcing the important connection between nutrition and cardiovascular health.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated added vibrancy and meaningful health literacy to the Heart Health Fair by engaging attendees with information that emphasized awareness, education, and community empowerment. Their presence reinforced the importance of culturally relevant health education as a vital component of promoting informed decision-making and long-term wellness in the Delta community.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Psi Zeta Chapter emphasized a holistic approach to heart health by addressing financial wellness as a critical yet often overlooked factor. Charlestein Harris shared that financial stress is a significant contributor to chronic stress and heart disease in many Delta communities. This perspective inspired the sorority’s informational pamphlets on budgeting and financial planning, highlighting the link between economic stability and physical well-being.
Hospital leaders stressed the importance of inviting the community into the hospital setting for preventive health events. “Sometimes community members are not aware of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or elevated glucose levels,” Mitchell explained. “These free screenings can identify concerns before severe symptoms develop. We have had instances where someone discovered they were at risk of a stroke during a health fair screening and were able to receive immediate preventive care, ultimately avoiding a major health event.”
By combining education, prevention, and community partnership, Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center’s National Wear Red Day Heart Health Fair served as a powerful reminder that heart health is not only a medical concern but a shared community responsibility that begins with caring for the whole person.
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