Conference focuses on health and finances

Registration for the third annual Make It Matter! Make It Happen! Make It A Healthy Lifestyle! Women and Girls Health and Financial Wellness Conference closes Saturday.

The free conference will take place Sept. 8 from 7:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Erlanger Medical Mall. It will provide sessions for women and girls on topics that include mental health, the opioid epidemic, bullying and bystanding, and domestic violence.

The event is hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chattanooga chapter. In addition to politics and education, the coalition aims to address areas of health care and economic development, said Shawanna Kendrick, public relations chairwoman for the Chattanooga Chapter.

“There are a number of health disparities affecting women and girls of diverse populations in disparate proportions,” Kendrick said in an email. “We want to do our part to close those gaps so that the influencers in our homes, in our places of employment and in our community are equipped to live lives that are emotionally, physically and mentally healthy.”

Vendors also will be on site to provide relevant health information and resources, and breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost.

“The conference and topics will help identify and educate women and girls in the community who are not aware of how to access or who may not have access to health care needs for themselves or a family member. That is what makes this year’s women and girls conference so special,” said Elizabeth Appling, chief diversity officer for Erlanger Health System, the event’s platinum sponsor.

Although sessions will be age appropriate, minors must have a signed consent form to attend. Register by calling 423-778-5465.