The 20th anniversary of "300 Sisters in Red" will be held on April 5 at Youngstown State University to promote heart health, especially among African American women.

The event is hosted by the Youngstown Chapter of The Links, an international non-profit organization with a mission to protect the culture and economic well-being of African Americans and African descendants, who have partnered with Mercy Health Youngstown. 

The theme "20 Years of Heartfelt Care: Empowering Heart Health with 300 Sisters in Red" is a community gathering event featuring community discussions, panel discussions, a keynote speaker, line dancing, free lunch, and various free health screenings. 

This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Mary Branch, MD, a cardiologist from Greensboro, NC. Together with her mother, Dr. Virginia Dee Banks, MD, they have 'shaped the community,' the Mercy Health media release stated.

The free health screenings that will be featured are:

• blood sugar
• cholesterol
• HIV
• blood pressure
• BMI
• bone density
• carbon monoxide
• diabetes risk assessments
• vision

There will also be a mobile mammography van which requires separate pre-registration that can be done by contacting (330) 480-2763 as well as an insurance card and photo ID. 

All attendants must pre-register in advance by contacting Beth Siwula from Mercy Health Youngstown at (330) 480-3070 and are asked to dress in red.

The University will provide free parking in the M81 lot, which can be accessed from Service Road between Stambaugh Stadium and the Watson and Tressel Training Site (WATTS) on the YSU campus.