Progressive National Baptists, NAACP map new health targets

Jet, Nov 15, 2004

As emotions calmed following the close presidential race, interests of two major national organizations turned toward improving the health of millions of Black citizens.

In separate announcements just before the election, both Baptist leaders and the NAACP charted new courses on the health front, reinforcing protest that plunging health conditions among Blacks have become a national problem.

Joining forces with the National Cancer Institute, Rev. Major L. Jemison, president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, unveiled the "Body and Soul" program designed to reach families in 1,100 churches in 22 states.

The drive will encourage the congregations "to take charge of their health by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables."

The recommendation is that families eat daily 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables for better health.

Meanwhile, the NAACP announced a $1 million partnership with Pfizer Inc. to develop health information and advocacy programs.

Said NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume, "The health care gap impinges on the equality of African-Americans," noting that Blacks have the highest mortality rate of any U.S. racial and ethnic group, 16 times higher than that of Whites.

Last summer, the NAACP launched a five-year program to reduce the racial disparities in health care by at least 25 percent. "This is an ambitious goal," said Mfume.

Progressive National Baptist Convention President Rev. Major Jemison (I) is leading his denomination's program to improve Black Americans' health by reaching some 1,100 churches in 22 states. NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume also announced his organization's focus on Black health information and advocacy programming.