Conquer Obesity: Buffalo Church Hosts Free Community Health Event to Promote Wellness and Equity
First Shiloh Baptist Church hosts a free community event focused on obesity, nutrition, and health equity, in partnership with Choose Healthy Life and United Way of NYC.
Written by EEW Magazine Health & Wellness Editors // Local Events
BUFFALO, NY (EEW Magazine Online) — In an urgent push to confront the obesity crisis disproportionately impacting communities of color, First Shiloh Baptist Church will host a free, expert-led wellness workshop titled “Conquer Obesity, Choose Health” on Sunday, July 27, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at 15 Pine Street in Buffalo, NY.
Held in partnership with United Way of NYC and Choose Healthy Life (CHL), the event will equip attendees with practical tools for healthier living, offering guidance on obesity prevention, nutrition, physical activity, and access to vital community health resources.
“I believe it is imperative that public health issues are addressed at a local and individual level, to make prevention and treatment into a personal practice rather than a hot topic that only experts are prepared to address,” said Kyla Hobbs, Health Navigator at First Shiloh Baptist Church, and the event’s primary contact.
“One of the best kept secrets is that the greatest key to your health and well-being is YOU! As you seek professional care, you need to recognize the pivotal role you play in your health journey.”
Kyla Hobbs serves as the Health Navigator at First Shiloh Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY, where she offers free health education, training, and resources to support community wellness.
The workshop brings together local health leaders:
Rachel Laster, Board-certified Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
Purnima Mohan, Health and Well-Being Program Manager, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Katarina Manuse, MPH, CHES, Program Manager, Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative
Brooklyn Bullock, Jericho Road Community Health Center
Informed by both science and faith, the Choose Healthy Life initiative is dedicated to addressing health disparities in Black and Brown communities by working through trusted institutions: churches.
Founded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, CHL has supported 120 churches across 13 states, leading over 10,000 health events and serving more than 340,000 people through services such as vaccinations, screenings, and health education.
At the heart of the CHL model is its faith-based Health Navigator program, which trains church members to serve as liaisons between the congregation and health systems, according to the organization’s website. These navigators help reduce barriers to care, implement wellness programs, and bridge longstanding gaps in healthcare equity.
Health Navigators are not just support staff—they are trusted voices within the community, uniquely positioned to reach those overlooked by traditional systems. They are transforming the health landscape from the inside out.
The “Conquer Obesity, Choose Health” workshop is open to the public, and registration is not required.
Back in February, Governor Kathy Hochul announced increased funding for United Way of New York City to support the expansion of Choose Healthy Life. The program is receiving nearly $5 million—a $1.5 million increase over the prior fiscal year to fund the expansion.
Those interested in attending or seeking more information can contact Kyla Hobbs at choosehealthylifehobbs@gmail.com or visit her LinkedIn profile.
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