by daniel johnson
April 28, 2024
Black Men’s Wellness Day is an attempt to address health care disparities for Black men both in Houston and other cities.
On April 27, the University of Houston will host its 2nd Annual Black Men Wellness Day, featuring a “Save Black Men’s Lives” 5K walk, medical exams, health, wellness, and connections between Black men and social service organizations. Over 100 vendors participated. .
as houston chronicle According to reports, Black Men Wellness Day is an attempt to address health care disparities for Black men both in Houston and other cities. Jameel Johnson, executive director of the Houston office of the African American Wellness Agency, said the organization aims to save the lives of Black men. “We are literally bringing the clinic into the community,” Johnson said. “We don’t want this to be a conversation after someone dies. This brings important discussions about our health to the forefront. Great for young men as well as older men.” We want to save lives.”
At last year’s event, about 20% of participants were sent to Houston-area hospitals for high blood pressure, cholesterol or other issues requiring urgent treatment, Johnson said. This supports data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that shows life expectancy for black men is 69 years, compared to 78 years for black women and 76 years for white men.
said Richard Brown, senior healthcare executive for health system strategy and health equity at Johnson & Johnson. KPRC2 In 2023, every year’s 5K walk will bring someone to the hospital. “If you are a Black American, your risk of having an amputation surgery is up to four times higher than a white American, and your risk of death after undergoing an amputation is 50% in one year and more than 70% in one year.” Within three years,” Brown said. “Every year, we experience numbers that are so alarming that on every walk someone has to go to the hospital immediately.”
Mr Johnson also said: chronicle A free test that measures blood flow is now available in partnership with Johnson & Johnson. It is hoped this will help address why black men have the highest number of amputations in the country. In January, Johnson & Johnson and the African American Men’s Wellness Agency partnered to address healthcare disparities for Black Americans in the healthcare industry.
In a press release, AAMWA President Kenny Hampton described the organization’s work in Philadelphia and said he hopes to encourage Black men to take control of their own health care. “The African American Men’s Services Agency bridges the gap between communities and institutions dedicated to resolving health equity concerns that negatively impact the lives of Black men in Philadelphia,” Hampton said. Stated. “The annual Her 5K Walk and Run offers free health screenings where men can gain insight into their health and ultimately take action against preventable diseases. .”
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