NEWS RELEASE
Oct 5, 2000

Rally to Promote African-American Male Health
Detroit Event to Focus on Awareness and Prevention Activities

 

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that the department will co-sponsor an African-American Male Health Day Rally in Detroit on Saturday, October 7, 2000 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to focus on the high risks for African-American men in several important health areas.

"Improving the health status of African-American men in Michigan has been a priority for the Department of Community Health for some time," said Haveman. "We created the African-American Male Health Initiative to examine and improve the health status of black men in this state and we are proud to co-sponsor this important rally in Detroit.".

The Department is collaborating with the Detroit Health Department, Health Service Technical Assistance-Central Diagnostic Referral Services, and Detroit community leaders in sponsoring this event which is designed to promote African-American male health education awareness and prevention activities.

Planned events include a parade featuring an re-enactment of the renowned Buffalo Soldiers, black cowboys, horse-drawn wagons and men on horseback. The wagons will be followed by cars and walkers. The event will include the two-hour parade followed by stop-overs in designated areas where health information handouts and lectures will be delivered.

The rally will be held on Detroit's east side in the vicinity of Gratiot Avenue near I-94. Starting point of the parade will be the parking lot of the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center, Robert Bradby Drive; the final stop will be the Inner City Suburban Center, Pingree Park.

"Michigan has made considerable progress in improving the health status of African-American men, but there are still marked differences in life expectancy, overall mortality and premature mortality for the African-American male population," Haveman said. Heart disease, cancer, and homicide are the three leading causes of death for black men.

"The major health risk behaviors are smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, lack of exercise, poor diet, unsafe sex and not wearing seatbelts in cars. These are things that can lead to illness, disability and death. African-American men must take a strong, informed leadership role in staying informed about their health and avoiding risky health behaviors. This rally can help us get out this important message," Haveman said.

For more information about the event and parade, call (517) 335-9381 or (313) 876-4070.