FAMU has has joined forces with the Florida Department of Health and the American Cancer Society in an effort to address some of the many health concerns of Black men, through a recently formed Coalition on African-American Men's Health (CAAMH) .
The mission of the coalition is two-fold; to develop promote and sustain independent, competitive men's health research, and create opportunities and promote for FAMU scientists.
Statistics show that African-American men have the lowest life expectancy compared to any other group in the United States. Their quality of life is also poor. They are disproportionately affected by the leading chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
“In 2004, it was reported that the death rate for African-American men is two and half times higher than Hispanics or any other race due to prostate cancer,” said Ana M. Viamonte Ros, State Surgeon General for the Florida Department of Health. “We must raise awareness and emphasize routine screening.”
"With the disparate burden of disease experienced by African-American men, it is important that we address the health concerns that are specific to the population," said Folakemi Odedina, FAMU professor and director of the Economic, Social and Administrative Pharmacy and chair of the coalition.
The Coalition is comprised of FAMU faculty, researchers, staff, students, university partners and healthcare professionals.
The administration is doing alot of medical related things i.e. Leon COunty infant mortality and now this Men's Health Initiative. Is there a new College/School related to the field of medicine in the future?
ReplyDeleteNot sure about a school of medicine, but it's refreshing to see so much atention given to african american health from the insutition who should care if no one else does. The vision is clear and we all should support this administration.
ReplyDeleteI doubt very serious if a new college/school will happen, however they can create institute's and initiatives all day. FSU has pretty much locked up med school debate in this area. However, the rumblings of a dental school at FAMU sounds good, but i don't understand WHY are they looking at sites in CrestView. If FAMU goes down this road of establishing a dental school it needs to reside at the main campus here in tallahassee.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that a School of Medicine will meet with much resistance from a Republica-controlled legislature in a city that has recently established one across the tracks. In an economy of tight budget restraints and restrictions, there will be many aruguments against such an institution at an institution that has only recently started to dig itself out of the morass of financial straits. But alas, we can only wait and see what the higher-ups will do.
ReplyDeleteI'm just happy to see the FAMU family being proactive on the healthcare front. It's positive and continue to move us in the direction away from where we were less than a year ago.
ReplyDeleteHigh-fives to Dr. Ammons, staff, and faculty!
As a democrat, I do not see the wisdom in establishing a second medical school in Tallahassee either. Lets not make this a political/racial issue.
ReplyDeleteDental school - that would be nice. I think FAMU can make a good case.
The dentist's job is to make things WHITER and STRAIGHTER. Does this dovetail with FAMU's heritage?
ReplyDeleteLets think about this people.
2:24^^^^ Wtf are you talking about?
ReplyDeleteGreat Job FAMU! Onward and Upward!
2:24 You might need to change dentists. I would be concerned if my dentist thought her primary goal was cosmetic. But, to each his reach. If you are more concerned with straight whites than oral health, "have at it, my friend."
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog page – lots of really interesting information!
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