Black Men Take on the Community Health Challenge: Sharing Successes of the Men's Health League Model

Men of color in the United States today are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes and are less likely to engage in preventive health behaviors. In response to this public health crisis, the Men's Health League, a program designed to reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke among black men through health promotion efforts was implemented in an urban setting. Presenters will discuss four strategies employed to develop this successful program that has directly engaged over 300 men in order to increase their knowledge about men's health, physical activity and nutrition. By working with the local “Men of Color Task Force,” collecting data at the annual “Hoops ‘N' Health” basketball tournament and health fair, and building a diverse community outreach team of men, the Men's Health League has built an evidence-based, integrated approach to improving the health of men of color. Program results show an increase in the percentage of men who engaged in more physical activity and improved eating habits, and lost weight. This presentation will share lessons learned from the program's design and implementation, based on the ongoing effectiveness evaluation of the community intervention. Audience members will be able to 1) describe the challenges related to and strategies for engaging men of color in healthy behaviors, 2) compare two program models effective in engaging black men in physical activity, and 3) describe the quantitative and qualitative impact of this community intervention on a group of men of color.