This weekend, a local group of socially and health-conscious residents will be running for their lives — and those of their Black/African American brothers across the U.S.
According to the American Journal of Men’s Health , Black men have higher incidence and mortality rates of “silent killers,” like heart diseases and hypertension, than their white counterparts.
This racial disparity has been attributed in part to diseases that could be prevented or improved by timely medical care, which may not be sought for reasons ranging from lack of access to distrust of the health care system.
The African American Wellness Agency (AAMWA) seeks to dismantle the imbalances through education, awareness campaigns and events like the Black Men’s Wellness Day 5K Walk and Run.
Bridging the gap: Black Americans face widening life expectancy gap. How one Columbus woman is helping
Started in 2004 by John H. Gregory , founder of the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) and the National African American Male Wellness Agency, the 5K is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Livingston Park, 760 E. Livingston Ave.