 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Cherié R. Forsha, RN, MSN/MPH, CNS, Health Education and Promotion, Prince Hall Daughters of Isis, 5431 6th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043, 323-296-2649, edwardandcherie@aol.com and Donald R. Ware, MD, MPH, Health Education and Promotion, Prince Hall Shriners, 6109 South Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043.
Despite improvements in the health status of African Americans, whites seem to out live their black counterparts by an average of six years. The black population death rates compared with the whites were at least 1.5 times greater for five of the leading causes of death in 1999. With a shortened life span and a higher morbidity and mortality rates for major diseases, it became clear that it was the responsibility of one of the largest and oldest African American organizations, the Prince Hall Family to be on the front line in the fight to reduce health disparities. Over the last twenty-five years, the Prince Hall Masonic Movement has been involved in health education and promotion. In 1986, the Shriners established Health Coordinators (HC) in every Temple and Court around the world. These individuals were trained to measure blood pressure and to perform basic CPR. In 1999, the Office of Minority Health Resource Center was consulted on developing a handbook that each locality would use to conduct health promotion and disease prevention activities that were consistent, reliable, and science-based in its methods of disseminating health information and conducting health screening. The handbook is based on a monthly health observance calendar highlighting those issues that have the greatest health impact on the African American community. The HC were trained on how to use the handbook and how to locate local resources to organize activities. Finally, the HC have made a significant impact on the health of the membership and associated communities.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: African American, Health Disparities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Membership