BALTIMORE, MD (April 1, 2009) - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest African American Greek-lettered organization of collegiate men joins Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, in encouraging members to participate in "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day", national health initiative.
As stated in a recent press release, TJMS shared that April is national minority health month. The goal of the partnership between the “Divine Nine” is to mobilize 14,000 plus sorority and fraternity members to participate in the ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,’ events scheduled for April 7th in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. along with other Tom Joyner Morning Show affiliates.
Within the communities they serve, including the key markets that TJMS will have a presence, chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha across the country will mobilize groups that include themselves, their families and their neighbors to transport their loved ones to visit their doctors and healthcare physicians.
General (national) President of Alpha Phi Alpha, Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. stated, “Historically, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha have always played a major role in health issues concerning the African-American community.” “We are proud to be a partner in such an important and worthwhile effort. And, we salute Tom Joyner and his foundation for its 7 year history. It has truly made an impact within the African American community.”
“Through our new health campaign entitled, "The Dr. Henry Arthur Callis African American Male Health Initiative", Alpha continues to make a conscious and deliberate effort to address the many health disparities plaguing the African American community through our signature programs and strategic partnerships,” acknowledged Michael A. Smith, MD, National Chair, Health and Wellness Committee. Its slogan is “LIVE WELL - O SIX” which stands for O-Opt for a healthy lifestyle choices; S-Seek opportunities to learn more about health; I-Identify health issues in our communities; X-eXtinguish health disparities.
The fraternity’s efforts include, but are not limited to:
Project Alpha - One of the fraternity''s oldest national programs. For over 20 years, Project Alpha has worked in collaboration with the March of Dimes to help young men make responsible decisions concerning HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases. It also provides education on sexuality, fatherhood and the role of males in relationships.
American Cancer Society® - A national partnership where chapters through collaboration with the ACS stress the importance of education and screening, particularly for prostate and colon cancers which disproportionately affect African Americans. Alpha chapters have participated in actual prostate screening events as well as provided resources and assistance in educational activities throughout our communities.
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association - A national collaboration where brothers/chapters stress the importance of lifestyle changes, education and screenings to reduce the risks of heart related illness in our communities. Brothers register to become "Stroke Ambassadors" to help educate the public on signs and symptoms and risk factors associated with strokes and hypertension. Also, through a series of AHA sponsored workshops, Brothers become CPR certified and are prepared to actually save the lives of people in our communities.
State Farm® 50 Million Pound Challenge - A national collaboration where brothers actively participate in the challenge, bringing with them family, friends, and associates to participate as well. The project is designed to modify lifestyle choices to combat the obesity epidemic in America and thus close the disparity in minority communities for diseases affected by obesity such as heart attacks, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.
HIV/AIDS Awareness - Alpha has developed a “call-to-action” to decrease the new cases of HIV /AIDS surfacing in some inner city communities in endemic proportions. In addition to HIV/AIDS education, through collaborations with the Department of Health and Human Services and the fraternity’s national program, Project Alpha, Alpha stresses the need for and providing actual screenings at Alpha conventions and at local health agencies. In addition, Alpha''s past and present General Presidents participate in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention''s "Heightened National Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis among African Americans" aimed at increasing awareness and participation of African American organizations in combating HIV/AIDS.
March of Dimes - A national partnership where Alpha Phi Alpha members coordinate and participate in raising awareness and funding for the March of Dimes to combat problems associated with premature deliveries, low birth weight babies and birth defects. For the past two years Alpha Phi Alpha has led the way, being ranked #1 in fundraising in the category of fraternal/community-based organizations.
For additional information on Alpha’s involvement in “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day” along with the fraternity’s entire list of programs and initiatives visit www.apa1906.net.
As stated in a recent press release, TJMS shared that April is national minority health month. The goal of the partnership between the “Divine Nine” is to mobilize 14,000 plus sorority and fraternity members to participate in the ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,’ events scheduled for April 7th in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. along with other Tom Joyner Morning Show affiliates.
Within the communities they serve, including the key markets that TJMS will have a presence, chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha across the country will mobilize groups that include themselves, their families and their neighbors to transport their loved ones to visit their doctors and healthcare physicians.
General (national) President of Alpha Phi Alpha, Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. stated, “Historically, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha have always played a major role in health issues concerning the African-American community.” “We are proud to be a partner in such an important and worthwhile effort. And, we salute Tom Joyner and his foundation for its 7 year history. It has truly made an impact within the African American community.”
“Through our new health campaign entitled, "The Dr. Henry Arthur Callis African American Male Health Initiative", Alpha continues to make a conscious and deliberate effort to address the many health disparities plaguing the African American community through our signature programs and strategic partnerships,” acknowledged Michael A. Smith, MD, National Chair, Health and Wellness Committee. Its slogan is “LIVE WELL - O SIX” which stands for O-Opt for a healthy lifestyle choices; S-Seek opportunities to learn more about health; I-Identify health issues in our communities; X-eXtinguish health disparities.
The fraternity’s efforts include, but are not limited to:
Project Alpha - One of the fraternity''s oldest national programs. For over 20 years, Project Alpha has worked in collaboration with the March of Dimes to help young men make responsible decisions concerning HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases. It also provides education on sexuality, fatherhood and the role of males in relationships.
American Cancer Society® - A national partnership where chapters through collaboration with the ACS stress the importance of education and screening, particularly for prostate and colon cancers which disproportionately affect African Americans. Alpha chapters have participated in actual prostate screening events as well as provided resources and assistance in educational activities throughout our communities.
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association - A national collaboration where brothers/chapters stress the importance of lifestyle changes, education and screenings to reduce the risks of heart related illness in our communities. Brothers register to become "Stroke Ambassadors" to help educate the public on signs and symptoms and risk factors associated with strokes and hypertension. Also, through a series of AHA sponsored workshops, Brothers become CPR certified and are prepared to actually save the lives of people in our communities.
State Farm® 50 Million Pound Challenge - A national collaboration where brothers actively participate in the challenge, bringing with them family, friends, and associates to participate as well. The project is designed to modify lifestyle choices to combat the obesity epidemic in America and thus close the disparity in minority communities for diseases affected by obesity such as heart attacks, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.
HIV/AIDS Awareness - Alpha has developed a “call-to-action” to decrease the new cases of HIV /AIDS surfacing in some inner city communities in endemic proportions. In addition to HIV/AIDS education, through collaborations with the Department of Health and Human Services and the fraternity’s national program, Project Alpha, Alpha stresses the need for and providing actual screenings at Alpha conventions and at local health agencies. In addition, Alpha''s past and present General Presidents participate in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention''s "Heightened National Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis among African Americans" aimed at increasing awareness and participation of African American organizations in combating HIV/AIDS.
March of Dimes - A national partnership where Alpha Phi Alpha members coordinate and participate in raising awareness and funding for the March of Dimes to combat problems associated with premature deliveries, low birth weight babies and birth defects. For the past two years Alpha Phi Alpha has led the way, being ranked #1 in fundraising in the category of fraternal/community-based organizations.
For additional information on Alpha’s involvement in “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day” along with the fraternity’s entire list of programs and initiatives visit www.apa1906.net.