The Links. Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in Black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African-Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of the Health and Human Services facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links.

• Incorporated plays a significant role in providing it through programs such as:

• Health Equity Ambassador Program

• HeartLinks Signature Program

• Linkages to Life Signature Program

• National HIV/AIDS Initiative

• National Mental Health Initiative

• National Oral Health Initiative

The vision of the International Trends and Services Facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service. Our MISSION is to empower our chapters to effectively empower the communities in which we work. Our goals include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need. Currently, National Trends and Services encompasses the following programs and committees with national partners and sponsors, each committed to the overall vision and mission of the facet. The goals for this program are:

• To enhance a child's ability to avoid victimization

• To enhance a child's self-esteem

• To reduce the feelings of guilt and blame associated with victimization

• To enhance and coordinate community response to issues impacting safer learning environments and improved emotional wellness of students

• To encourage parental involvement in, and to increase awareness of available community resources for greater protection of students

• To deter offender behavior

The vision of the National Trends and Services Facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service. Our MISSION is to empower our chapters to effectively empower the communities in which we work. Our goals include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need. Currently, National Trends and Services encompasses the following programs and committees with national partners and sponsors, each committed to the overall vision and mission of the facet. The goals for this program are:

• To enhance a child's ability to avoid victimization

• To enhance a child's self-esteem

• To reduce the feelings of guilt and blame associated with victimization

• To enhance and coordinate community response to issues impacting safer learning environments and improved emotional wellness of students

• To encourage parental involvement in, and to increase awareness of available community resources for greater protection of students

• To deter offender behavior

The Links. Incorporated created its first program facet. Services to Youth. to equip Black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. The Links. Incorporated is committed to leading the way as a champion of change, ensuring that youth are academically successful and engaged in healthy lifestyles. We implement transformational programs that are responsive to the academic, health, cultural, social awareness, career development, and the mentoring needs of youth. The Services to Youth Facet uses an integrated approach to prepare young people to succeed as healthy citizens in the global workforce and to promote healthy lifestyles within families and communities. In support of The Links' mission to enrich and enhance the lives of Black youth, the primary goals of this facet are to:

• Close the achievement gap from pre-K through college, with the intent of preparing our youth for the global workforce as healthy citizens

• Develop training modules for local pre-K through college mentoring programs, to ascertain a high level of support for youth in our communities

• Expand and support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education

• Promote and support historically black colleges and universities for ensured sustainability

• Links STEMReady Signature Program

• Links to Success: Children Achieving Excellence Signature Program

• National Mentoring Initiative

• National HBCU Initiative

• Young Achievers

• APP-A-THON

• Tower Garden

• Wellington Oaks Head Start Program Book Challenge