NBCI Declares a National Health Emergency
in the Black Church

Breaking Health News

The National Black Church Initiative, a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches across America, held a press conference in which Rev. Anthony Evans, President of the National Black Church Initiative, declared a National Health Emergency (HED) in the Black Church. The passage of the Healthcare Reform Bill passed by Congress offering universal health care for Americans is a good first step, but more is needed to close the in the areas of prevention to close the health disparity gap between African Americans and their white counterparts.

Baltimore represents the first health community under HED in establishing 35 separate health communities across the country, kicking off a seven year commitment to create a healthier lifestyle for all African Americans through education, pre-screening, improved diet, physical exercise, and clinical trials.

Attendants include Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Dr. Garth Graham, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, Director, Office of Minority Health in the Office of the Secretary of HHS. Michelle Spencer, Chief of Staff, Dr. Anne Bailowitz, Acting Chief Medical Officer, and Kay Sibetta, Health Disparities Director will represent Olivia Farrow, Interim Health Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Dept. The Right Most Rev. Harlie Walden Wilson, II, Senior Pastor at Israel Baptist Church of Baltimore City.

The press conference was held at 12:15 p.m. on March 28, 2010 at the Israel Baptist Church of Baltimore City, 1220 North Chester Street, Baltimore, MD 21213.