Mayor Kasim Reed Hosts LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE Featuring J. Anthony Brown Today

West End Medical Centers(WEMC) holds its annual fundraising event "Laughter is Good Medicine" today, February 24 at 7pm at the Rialto Center for the Arts. Not only a fundraiser, the event also highlights how WEMC provides affordable healthcare in its six locations for the uninsured and underinsured.

WEMC President and CEO Dr. Michael W. Brooks along with the Board of Directors have enlisted honorary hosts Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Riverdale Mayor Dr. Evelyn Winn-Dixon, and East Point Councilman Marcel L. Reed. Together, they host a cast of popular entertainers featuring funnyman J. Anthony Brownfor a laugh-filled evening.

Brown is currently starring in TV One's Rickey Smiley Show, and can also be heard daily on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. He will be joined by comedians Myra J. and Chocolate, ventriloquist Willie Brown & Woody, and improv group "Laughing Matters."

Dr. Brooks states, "It is an honor for West End Medical Centers that J. Anthony Brown was willing to support our mission by performing at this event." "Research shows laughter does have positive effects on the mind and body," continues Brooks.

The event also honors distinguished contributors to the WEMC. GE executives are receiving the WEMC Community Partners Award for GE's continued generous support. In 2010, GE named WEMC as a GE Developing Health program participant; this included a $500,000 two-year grant from the GE Foundation. The partnership continues through 2015 with an additional $350,000 donation and continued support from GE volunteers.

Also being honored is Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin who is receiving The Daisy L. Harris Service Award for his contributions as a long-term member of WEMC Board of Directors.

The Rialto Center is located at 80 Forsyth Street Atlanta, GA. Tickets are available at www.rialtocenter.org or by calling (404)756-6874.

About West End Medical Centers

Providing comprehensive preventive health care since 1976, West End Medical Centers, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)3, federally funded community health center, offering a full range of health services including adult medicine, pediatric/adolescent, OB/GYN, dental and behavioral health.

SOURCE West End Medical Centers