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The 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc. (The 100) and Black Health Matters have partnered to promote a Men’s Health Ambassador Program across Miami-Dade County.
The health promotion campaign launched with an awareness workshop on prostate health. The workshop was held at the Oasis of Miami Gardens located at 640 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33169. Over 50 South Florida community leaders participated in the program, which addressed the importance of health, wellness, regular medical screenings, and treatment options following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. It is often slow-growing, and with early detection responds well to treatment. Initial signs of prostate cancer may include urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, or pain, though in many cases men are asymptomatic upon onset. Diagnosis is often confirmed by a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and other tests, with treatment options ranging from active surveillance to surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
“Early detection is key to treating prostate cancer,” remarked workshop panelist Dr. Stevenson Chery, a South Florida-based Family Medicine Provider.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Black men. Studies suggest that 1 in 6 black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Men of African descent are 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.
“When Black communities are equipped with knowledge and trusted resources, health outcomes change. This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting men where they are and empowering them to prioritize prevention, screening, and wellness” said Ana Larios, Black Health Matters’ Managing Director.
Black Health Matters is a health equity platform that connects Black communities to trusted health education and resources online and through community-centered events.
Chartered on June 24, 1989, The 100 is a South Florida nonprofit composed of men across a spectrum of professional fields with a shared vision of improving the quality of life for African Americans and minority groups through mentoring.
“As President of the 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc., I believe open conversations about prostate cancer are essential to saving lives. Through our Health & Wellness initiatives, we are committed to empowering men in our community with knowledge, support, and early-action awareness. This workshop is an opportunity for us to lead, learn, and protect our community’s health,” said Dr. Pierre E. Rutledge, President of 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc.
One of the major initiatives of the 100 Black Men of South Florida is to promote health and wellness within Black and Brown communities. Its partners include Simply Health, Inside Edge Consulting Group, and other health agencies committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and general wellness across the tri-county area. The collective of Black professionals strives to eliminate health disparities in the African American community by promoting increased education and awareness, policy development, advocacy, and behavioral paradigm shifts. Over the course of this year, The 100 hopes to combat health disparities by coordinating a series of health awareness and fitness activities across South Florida.
