Panel Discussion

This panel session will highlight the disproportionate health disparities experienced by African American (AA) men and its relationship with the deteriorating black family and community. In particular, this session will feature three African American male experts in the field of public health who will discuss scientific evidence depicting the disadvantaged health outcomes of AA men; the multifactorial elements (social, psychological, and structural) that perpetuate the increased disparities; the context within which these factors are maintained; and what contributions each panelist is making to address this problem. Specific topics to be discussed regarding AA men include health disparities in prevention, care and treatment for infectious and chronic diseases; the interplay between poverty, violence and criminalization; economic inequality, unemployment, and educational attainment; and the presence and role of fathers in AA families.

Session Objectives: 1) Describe the health status of black men in America. 2) Identify contextual barriers that both create and maintain health disparities affecting black men. 3) Demonstrate how health disparities affecting black men impact black families and communities. 4) Discuss strategies for improving black men's health.