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Healthy Men Make Healthy Families
By Brian Byrd, Deputy Chief, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department
This year, 2015, marks the 11th year for the African
American Male Wellness Walk (AAMWW). Founded by John Gregory
of the National Center for Urban Solutions, this effort to
bring awareness to health disparities affecting African
American men in Ohio has now become a NATIONAL INITIATIVE.
The AAMWW has provided thousands of free health screenings
across the state of Ohio, resulting in recognition from
President Barack Obama, and August being declared as
‘African American Male Wellness Month’ by Governor John
Kasich of Ohio. This momentum has spread to the Washington
D.C. area, Detroit, Atlanta, Niagara Falls (NY), and other
areas of the country.
The overall health and wellness of the community is
dependent on the health of our men. African American males
are dying from preventable diseases at nearly 10 times the
rate of other men, and it is this fact that drives the
mission of the AAMWW. It is our responsibility to raise
awareness, educate, and guide our men to avenues of better
health. HEALTHY MEN MAKE HEALTHY FAMILIES!!!
Improving the health of any community requires dedication,
commitment and great effort. In order to be successful, we
must work cooperatively with healthcare providers, community
health organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and
dedicated individuals across our nation. Together we WILL
improve the health of our men and our families. |
