Health Update: Union County Women’s Generational Wellness Health Forum Takes Center Stage at Kean U. – What Experts Say

Union County

By: Richard L. Smith 

Families across Union County and surrounding communities are being invited to an important and empowering day of conversation, education, and access to health resources as the Greater Union County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (GUCC) hosts “Generational Wellness: A Women’s Forum and Family Health Fair.”

The event will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kean University, in partnership with Advocates for Children of New Jersey and the Kean University Wellness Center.
 

Designed to educate and engage families, the forum will focus on women’s health across every stage of life, from puberty through menopause, while creating space for fathers, spouses, and youth to be part of the conversation.

At its core, the event aims to address serious health disparities impacting Black women, particularly around maternal health outcomes, while also shedding light on topics that are too often discussed in whispers, perimenopause, menopause, and menstrual equity.
 

A Day of Education and Empowerment

The program begins at 10:00 a.m. with welcome remarks and introductions, setting the tone for a day centered on awareness and action.

From 10:15 to 10:30 a.m., attendees will hear a keynote address titled “Generational Wellness,” focused on how health advocacy within families can create stronger outcomes for future generations.

The first major session, “Are You Ready and Aware?” runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and addresses pregnancy risks for Black women. 

Panelists will discuss how women and families can advocate for themselves before, during, and after childbirth,  a conversation that comes at a critical time as maternal health disparities continue to impact communities nationwide.

After a short break, the forum continues at 11:45 a.m. with two simultaneous sessions.

One discussion, “How Does Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Black Women, Let’s Talk About It,” will provide information on recognizing symptoms and exploring therapies to support women during this natural transition. 

The goal is to normalize conversations around menopause and equip women with tools to manage their health confidently.

At the same time, middle and high school students will participate in a youth-focused session titled “Period Poverty: Menstrual Equity.” 

This discussion will explore how lack of access to menstrual products affects students and communities, while empowering young people to support one another and advocate for change.

Throughout the entire event, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a Health Resource Fair will be open, featuring vendors and organizations providing wellness information, services, and support for families.

Organizers say they intentionally structured the forum to include the perspectives of fathers and spouses during panel discussions, reinforcing that women’s health is a family and community issue — not one women should navigate alone.

The event is supported by sponsors including UnitedHealthcare and WHYSAVEALife Foundation, whose backing helps ensure families have access to valuable resources under one roof.

Community leaders hope the forum becomes more than a one-day event, but a spark for ongoing dialogue, stronger advocacy, and healthier outcomes for generations to come.

Families interested in attending are encouraged to mark their calendars for March 21 and take part in what promises to be a powerful and informative day at Kean University.