A record 683 free health screenings were given in 2008 and will be available again this year.

Mark your calendar and get your registration now for the June 2 Healthier Black Elders event featuring free health screenings, Detroit radio personality Jay Butler, exercise, dance, lunch, live music and the motivational words of Detroit's new Police Chief James Barren.

Chief Barren served on the Detroit force for 31 years before retiring in 2004 only to return this fall as chief. A licensed counselor with a doctorate in counseling from Wayne State University, Chief Barren is widely regarded as an electrifying speaker. "The honesty and good-humor of Jay Butler and Chief Barren will connect well with our guests," said Dr. Olivia Washington, director of the Healthier Black Elders Center. "They are models of good citizenship and public service."

The event, co-hosted by Wayne State's Institute of Gerontology and the University of Michigan, is held Tuesday, June 2. Its theme is "Good Health Is Earned, Not Given: Make It a Priority!" Health screenings start at 8:45 a.m.; the main program runs from 10:30 to 2:15 and includes a hot, sit-down lunch. Bert's Warehouse Theater in the historic Eastern Market (2727 Russell Street) will again house the Health Reception in its seventh year of community outreach dedicated to a healthier Detroit.

The event continues to be free to guests 55 years and older and their caregivers, but pre-registration is now required for all attendees.

Pre-registration can be done quickly by phone. Please call 313-577-2297 for details. Registered guests will receive a ticket by mail prior to the event. The ticket must be presented for entry. According to Dr. Washington, the registration process will improve the experience and effectiveness of the event. "We can now guarantee that all guests have access to health screenings and exhibitors, and a comfortable seat for the program," she said. "Our elders deserve this level of care and respect."

Guests combine fitness with fun by dancing the Hustle.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.