The Center for Closing the Health Gap

08/28/2026

Exactly 63 years ago today – August 28, 1963 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C. His words resonate today as much as they ever have.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

The dream has not been fully realized, but the hard work continues. The hope continues.

08/28/2026

Proud to support our friends at the Cincinnati OH Chapter of The Links, Incorporated as they prepare to celebrate The Essence of Emeralds: A Night of Legacy & Light: 7 Decades on Saturday, November 7.

The elegant black-tie evening will celebrate friendship, service, and impact, featuring dinner and cocktails, live music from 2nd Wind Band, and a keynote from former Essence Magazine Editor-in-Chief Susan L. Taylor.

For tickets: https://essenceofemeralds2026.com/essence-of-emeralds

08/27/2026

For Black Business Month, we sat down with Eric Kearney, President & CEO of The African-American Chamber of Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, to talk about the impact of Black-owned businesses and why supporting them matters.

When Black businesses thrive, our communities thrive. Be intentional about how you shop, support, and celebrate Black-owned businesses.

08/26/2026

Caregiving is a labor of love, but it’s easy to lose yourself while taking care of everything, and everyone, else. 💙

For years, our one-day Caregiver Support Series events have helped attendees find restoration. Now, we are expanding our program to offer bi-weekly, ongoing support groups to help you navigate the daily challenges of caring for a loved one who is 60+. Led by licensed clinical counselor Traci Sippel, these new in-person and virtual sessions give you a confidential space to talk openly, gain coping tools, and connect with people who actually get it.

What to expect:
✅ Relaxed, supportive environment
✅ Zero pressure to share – you can just listen!
✅ Real, honest conversations

Find the group that fits your schedule:
🗓️ In-Person: Bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM starting Sept. 16 at New Leaf Counseling Group (11427 Reed Hartman Hwy, Suite 119)
💻 Virtual: Bi-weekly on Saturdays at 11:00 AM starting Sept. 19

👉 Scan the QR code to register or visit bit.ly/HGCaregiverGroups

08/24/2026

Extra time today? Make your way to the Deer Park Library and help save some lives. The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region is accepting donations from 11am-5pm. A single whole blood donation can save three lives, including trauma victims, cancer patients, and surgery patients. In the U.S. alone, someone needs blood every two seconds.

08/21/2026

Wanda and Greg participated in our last Diabetes Challenge. We're grateful to hear them share their unique perspectives about nutrition, exercise, and the power of taking control of your health. Next week, we kick off our new Diabetes Challenge, and we can't wait to see more impact stories in the weeks ahead!

08/21/2026

Join us tomorrow for an incredible tribute to Dr. King.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Community Celebration
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
3100 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Celebrate the unveiling of Cincinnati's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial during this exciting community celebration hosted by the City of Cincinnati.
Bring your family and friends for a day filled with live music, entertainment, delicious food, sweet treats, games, a bounce house, children's activities, local vendors, and community resources. This free event honors Dr. King's legacy while bringing the community together in a spirit of unity, service, and celebration.
Everyone is welcome to attend this memorable occasion.

08/18/2026

Who’s ready for some fun?

Lunch & Bingo

Senior Members, join us for Lunch & Bingo on Friday, August 28 at 11:30 AM at the Forest Park Senior Center.

We’ll play 10 games of bingo, enjoy lunch together, and kick off the weekend with some fun and friendly competition.

Sponsored by The Center for Closing the Health Gap

Cards are $2 each.
Senior Members Only — No guests permitted.

We look forward to seeing you there.

08/18/2026

We proudly support Her Cincinnati and the incredible work they do to uplift and support the women in our community. Learn more about their life-saving mission, volunteer, or donate at https://hercincinnati.org.

HER Cincinnati’s mission is to empower women to break the cycles of poverty, addiction, and human trafficking. We envision a community where all women have the skills and the confidence to thrive. Our program efforts are focused in three areas: Housing, Education, and Recovery Services.

08/17/2026

Congratulations Tracey Artis and Midwest Black Family Reunion on another extraordinary event!

One of the last of the onetime nationwide celebrations, Cincinnati hosted the 38th Black Family Reunion over the weekend. FULL STORY ⬇️