NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma US, Inc., and BlackDoctor.org (BDO), the leading on-line health destination for African-Americans, today announced Astellas as a sponsor of its health educational event at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Basketball Tournament (CIAA) community Fan Fest in Charlotte, NC, Feb. 26-28. 

"Astellas is pleased to support BlackDoctor.org, and CIAA Fan Fest, which both have long histories of providing health education to the African American community," said Pamela Buford, Astellas Pharma US director of Business Communications & Advocacy. 

CIAA attendees and the Charlotte community are invited to participate in the health booth provided by BlackDoctor.org.  When entering, visitors will get a "ticket" enabling them to engage in a series of interactive and educational activities tailored to help inform African Americans so they can develop a "game plan" for health and wellness. 

"We are excited to have Astellas as an exclusive health sponsor," said BlackDoctor.org CEO Reggie Ware.  "The exhibit this year will showcase important health information tailored for the audience, and designed for them to become active participants in the educational experience. We thank Astellas for their support to bring our exhibit to Fan Fest this year." 

Similar to the personal commitment displayed on the basketball court during tournament week, participants will be encouraged to take ownership of their health by being aware of risks and possible health issues, staying current on screenings and doctor visits, and maintaining a game plan for health and wellness. 

Inside, participants will learn about information, such as appropriate target levels for blood pressure, cholesterol, and PSA tests, information to prepare for doctor visits, and a checklist for health screenings, in essence, information to develop a personal 'game plan' to better health and wellness.

In addition to educational activities, participants can participate in free health screenings and risk assessments provided by certified professionals on-site. 

Fan Fest and the health pavilion are free to the public.  Doors open Thursday, Feb. 26 – Friday, Feb 27 from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. 

"A first step to better health is to recognize the risks of developing certain conditions so you can either take preventative measures or seek treatment," said Buford.  "The CIAA Fan Fest will help increase that awareness and hopefully enable people to better understand their current health status."

To join the conversation about the BDO booth exhibit and Feb 26-28 activities, follow hashtag #Ticket2Health on Twitter, and Facebook at Facebook.com/BlackDoctor.org.  For more information visit www.BlackDoctor.org or follow @Astellas.US

About Astellas
Astellas Pharma US, Inc., located in Northbrook, Ill., is a U.S. affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc.   Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.   Astellas is committed to bringing effective solutions to patients and customer's, but also by the importance we place on the impact we can make within the communities where we work and live.   For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS 

About BlackDoctor.org 
BlackDoctor.org (BDO) is the world's most comprehensive online health resource for black consumers. With a monthly total audience reach of 15 million, BDO is the leading producer of targeted, culturally and clinically accurate health and editorial content and African Americans. BDO's users appreciate receiving health information in an environment they trust and in a language and context they understand. BDO also boasts the largest online database of black physicians and dentists as part of its free doctor search tool, and a medical expert panel including many of the most respected and accomplished experts in their field.  Learn more about BlackDoctor.org at www.BlackDoctor.org and follow us on Twitter @BlackDoctor, and Facebook at facebook.com/BlackDoctor.org.

About CIAA
Established in 1912, The CIAA is the nation's oldest African American athletic conference, with more than 38,000 students representing all 50 states. The annual is the largest HBCU basketball tournament/Fan Fest event in the nation, and second largest tournament/Fan Experience in the entire NCAA, trailing only the Final Four Bracket Town.  With more than 250,000 annual attendees, it's one of the largest African American lifestyle/education events in the US.  In addition to the community activities and health fairs, over a million dollars is raised for scholarships each year, along with education and empowerment events throughout the weeklong event.  For more CIAA Tournament information, click here.

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SOURCE Astellas Pharma US, Inc.