The center will offer clinical programs and focus on prevention.
Maya Angelou has long been an advocate for civil rights and has learned to not only stand up for her own well-being, but also empower others to do the same for themselves. With this mission, the celebrated author has decided to partner up with Novant Health and open the Maya Angelou Center for Women's Health and Wellness in her hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C. The health center will offer clinical programs such as heart wellness, cancer treatment, maternity, bone and joint, and behavioral care as well as a strong focus on preventative care.
"The disparities are embarrassing," she says about the health gaps and inequalities. "What they hope to do at the center is to coordinate all the aspects of women's health and wellness ... encouraging women to look after themselves. In that way, they can almost be sure to count on some prevention."
To close these health disparities plaguing our community and encourage women to become advocates for their own health, the center will offer breast cancer screenings and educate patients on heart disease risks and the AIDS epidemic.
"The time has passed when a woman can act like everybody is as innocent as she is. So you don't have to ask a man to use protection. That's ridiculous. It's [about] being aware," she says. "That's the biggest gift I can give anybody: 'Wake up, be aware of who you are, what you're doing and what you can do to prevent yourself from becoming ill.'"
The Maya Angelou Center for Women's Health and Wellness will open at the Forsyth Medical Center in June 2012.
BET.com always gives you the latest fashion and beauty trends, tips and news. We are committed to bringing you the best of Black lifestyle and celebrity culture.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Videos You May Like
-
News Alicia Keys Joins AIDS Fight Clip (4/19/2013)
-
News Journalists Explore Strategies... Clip (4/9/2013)
-
News Black History Cultural Icon... Clip (2/21/2013)
-
News National Black HIV/AIDS... Clip (2/7/2013)
-
News Exclusives: Advacates Sound AIDS... Clip (11/30/2012)
-
News Exclusives: Five Myths About... Clip (11/30/2012)
-
106 & Park Highlights: Christopher Barnhill... Clip (11/30/2012)
-
106 & Park Highlights: Know Your Status Clip (11/29/2012)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Planned Parenthood... Clip (11/29/2012)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Christopher... Clip (11/29/2012)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Dr. Jeri Dyson... Clip (11/29/2012)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Metro Teen AIDS Clip (11/29/2012)
-
106 & Park Exclusives: 106 Catches Up With... Clip (11/29/2012)
-
News Exclusives: Black Gay Males Hit... Clip (8/1/2012)
-
News Soul Mates: Maya Angelou &... Full Episode (2/13/2012)
-
Music News Exclusives: Soulmates: Kanye's... Clip (2/9/2012)
-
News Maya Angelou receives Medal of... Clip (2/1/2012)
-
News Maya explains todays “Caged Bird” Clip (2/1/2012)
-
News Common explains the “N” word. Clip (2/1/2012)
-
BET Honors '12 Exclusives: Honoree - Spike Lee Clip (1/19/2012)






