Community-Centric Impact:

Families Gather for Health, Wellness, and Connection

The Board of Directors, members, and volunteers of Citizens Moving Forward (CMF) were honored to partner with the Pensacola (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated to host a dynamic Family Health and Wellness Expo on March 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Designed with families at the center, the event brought together residents from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties for a day focused on learning, movement, connection, and overall well-being. Under bright spring skies, attendees experienced a vibrant atmosphere filled with preventive health screenings, interactive activities, face painting, karaoke, and fellowship, all complemented by food, refreshments, and valuable wellness education.

Prevention as a Superpower

A key highlight of the Expo was the emphasis on preventive care, particularly regarding sickle cell disease. The Pensacola (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated underscored a powerful truth: prevention and awareness can be life changing.

Sickle cell disease continues to affect many individuals, often silently, as some may carry the trait without knowing it. While having the trait does not mean a person will develop the disease, awareness is critical. When two individuals who carry the trait have children, there is a possibility those children could inherit the disease. Education and testing, therefore, have become essential tools in safeguarding future generations.

Organizations such as the Foundation for Sickle Cell Research, Sickle Cell Disease Association of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, Inc., and We Reign Sickle Cell Corporation played a pivotal role in educating attendees. Through their engagement, families gained a deeper understanding of the disease, available treatments, and how to access testing to determine their status.

Strong Partnerships, Stronger Communities

The success of the Expo was made possible through a wide network of dedicated community partners who provided services, resources, and information:

OneBlood Mobile

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

American Red Cross of Northwest Florida

Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Florida Department of Health – Santa Rosa County

LifeQuest (Donate Life)

Men of Vision

An Optometric Specialist

Santa Rosa NAACP Branch

Praise TV

The Alpha Club

Each organization contributed to a comprehensive experience that addressed physical health, mental wellness, education, and community empowerment.

A Day of Purpose and Promise

This free community event successfully fulfilled its mission: bringing families together for a day of fun, learning, and meaningful engagement. More than just an event, the Expo represented what is possible when organizations unite around a shared commitment to community well-being.

CMF looks forward to building on this momentum and expanding its reach, with the goal of engaging even more families across the region in future initiatives that promote healthier, stronger communities.