RTA celebrates Black History Month with Black Health and Wellness campaign

January 28, 2022

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jessica Olson (937) 425-8352, Communications Manager

(DAYTON, OHIO) … To celebrate Black History Month, the Greater Dayton RTA is paying tribute to influential Black Americans in the medical field through the “Black Health and Wellness” campaign. The campaign will begin on February 1 and run through the entire month of February.

As the country still grapples with coronavirus, health and wellness remains top of mind. Health disparities left Black Americans vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 and dying from it at higher rates-- nearly two times greater than their share of the population. This year’s theme acknowledges the work of Black scholars and medical practitioners to better understand what has been done and what is currently being done to counter the grave deficiencies in healthcare for Black people. It also highlights health issues facing Black Americans and offers tips for improving wellness.

The RTA will highlight 10 African Americans and their contributions to healthcare. These individuals range from Dr. James McCune Smith, who became the first Black American to receive a medical degree, to “Doc McStuffins”, which is among the first preschool cartoons to showcase diversity and positive images of Black girls on TV. You can find these individuals displayed on interior cards throughout RTA’s fixed-route bus fleet for customers to observe during their essential trips, along with the health and wellness tips. Each week the agency will share profiles and facts from the campaign on social media, as well as Black History Month Trivia every Tuesday. The answers to the questions can be found on the interior cards aboard our buses.

In addition, a seat will be reserved on every fixed-route bus using a special Rosa Parks placard to acknowledge her role in making a seat available for everyone.

Information on RTA’s Black History Month campaign can be found at www.iriderta.org/blackhistorymonth.