Jose Martinez from Inside Edge Consulting Group speaking to attendees of Father’s Day Celebration Program.
The Iota Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Second Baptist Church, and Inside Edge Consulting Group partner to celebrate fathers and promote Men’s Health Awareness Month on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
The Father’s Day Celebration and Men’s Health program consisted of a welcome brunch, worship service, health workshop and lunch. The health workshop, dubbed Clinical Research & Me, served to educate participants on the value of clinical research and importance of diverse research participants in medical trials. Attendees consisted of residents from the Richmond Heights, Perrine, and surrounding communities.
“Health education helps people understand their health better, make wiser choices, and feel more confident when dealing with doctors or health issues. It also builds trust and encourages people to take part in things like vaccines, disease prevention, and medical research” noted José Raúl López de Victoria Martínez, Community Clinical Navigator for Inside Edge Consulting Group.
Despite advances in medicine and technology, many people still struggle to understand or access the health care support they need. Challenges to health quality include misleading information, language or cultural barriers, and limited understanding on how to navigate our healthcare system. Poor knowledge on these areas of focus often results in detrimental health outcomes, especially within underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Many research studies report limited participation of BIPOC groups, resulting in marketplace treatments that may not be as effective for the general population. By recruiting more diverse participants in drug and medical device studies, researchers can improve health outcomes and ensure all people can benefit from advances in medicine.
Reverend Dr. Alphonso Jackson leading Second Baptist Church’s annual Father’s Day Celebration Program.
“Traditionally, men don’t attend regular doctor visits until something drastic happens..this is why we’ve partnered with Second Baptist Church and Inside Edge to promote health education within our community,” Dr. Takevess Hatcher, President of the Iota Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. shared.
Chartered on December 22, 1969, Iota Pi Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has worked diligently to serve the residents of Richmond Heights and its neighboring communities. For over 50 years, the South Dade Alphas have supported many endeavors to improve the social, economic, and intellectual status of Black Miami. Locally, IPL ambitiously works to perform activities that include providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors, donations to youth sports teams, assistance to schools in need, family holiday meal baskets, and Christmas toys to children residing throughout the area.
