With the goal of engaging the group statistically known for being the least likely to go to the doctor, community members came together in 2013 to organize an event to “save black men’s lives.”
Mercy Health is proud to continue to serve as a health care partner and will provide health screenings at the African American Male Wellness Walk, now celebrating its 10th year. Organized by the African American Male Wellness Agency, the 5K Walk and Run brings together several community partners all working toward the same goal – to increase the life expectancy of African American men by reducing disparities in premature death and chronic diseases.
“Knowing your numbers in key metrics, like blood pressure and blood sugar, is the first step you can take to improving health and well-being,” said Jessica Henry, director of community health for Mercy Health – Toledo. “Many of the conditions that can ultimately cause health complications are preventable and treatable if you know your numbers.”
“The Toledo African American Male Wellness Initiative would not be possible without our partnership with Mercy Health,” added Brian Byrd, Toledo walk chairman. “Our 10th anniversary is an example of the positive impacts that long term relationships with community partners can have on the health of those most affected by health disparities. Together, we are working to close the gap!"
The Toledo Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) has long highlighted chronic disease and healthy weight status as concerns in the region. Mercy Health and other organizations use CHNAs to identify the community's current health status, needs and issues. According to the most recent Lucas County CHNA, 39 percent of adults were diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2020. That number increased to 55 percent for the African American adult population.
With these numbers in mind, Mercy Health was excited to join community organizers working to help African American men prioritize their health. Mercy Health nurses offer screenings for BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, sickle cell and PSA, as well as provided physicians, who can discuss results with participants. In 2022, 113 people were screened.
The 2023 Toledo African American Male Wellness 5K Walk and Run is open to the public and will be held at Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Boulevard, Toledo. Participants can register on the day of the event or online at aawellness.org/toledo-ohio/. Join the African American Male Wellness Agency, Mercy Health and others on Aug. 19, as we work towards closing the health equity gap.
Mercy Health is proud to continue to serve as a health care partner and will provide health screenings at the African American Male Wellness Walk, now celebrating its 10th year. Organized by the African American Male Wellness Agency, the 5K Walk and Run brings together several community partners all working toward the same goal – to increase the life expectancy of African American men by reducing disparities in premature death and chronic diseases.
“Knowing your numbers in key metrics, like blood pressure and blood sugar, is the first step you can take to improving health and well-being,” said Jessica Henry, director of community health for Mercy Health – Toledo. “Many of the conditions that can ultimately cause health complications are preventable and treatable if you know your numbers.”
“The Toledo African American Male Wellness Initiative would not be possible without our partnership with Mercy Health,” added Brian Byrd, Toledo walk chairman. “Our 10th anniversary is an example of the positive impacts that long term relationships with community partners can have on the health of those most affected by health disparities. Together, we are working to close the gap!"
The Toledo Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) has long highlighted chronic disease and healthy weight status as concerns in the region. Mercy Health and other organizations use CHNAs to identify the community's current health status, needs and issues. According to the most recent Lucas County CHNA, 39 percent of adults were diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2020. That number increased to 55 percent for the African American adult population.
With these numbers in mind, Mercy Health was excited to join community organizers working to help African American men prioritize their health. Mercy Health nurses offer screenings for BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, sickle cell and PSA, as well as provided physicians, who can discuss results with participants. In 2022, 113 people were screened.
The 2023 Toledo African American Male Wellness 5K Walk and Run is open to the public and will be held at Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Boulevard, Toledo. Participants can register on the day of the event or online at aawellness.org/toledo-ohio/. Join the African American Male Wellness Agency, Mercy Health and others on Aug. 19, as we work towards closing the health equity gap.