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To declare August 7-14 as Black Men’s Health Week in the City of Columbus; to recognize the work of the National African American Male Wellness Walk; and to thank the National African American Male Wellness Agency’s organizers, supporters, volunteers, and participants for working to improve men’s health.
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WHEREAS, The African American Male Wellness Initiative is an event of strategic importance to our community - from a Public Health perspective it is an activity that works to protect and improve the health of the residents of this community - it highlights the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, it provides research and information regarding disease and injury prevention, and it is focused on detecting, preventing responding, and raising awareness regarding infectious disease and preventable health issues in men and others who attend; and
WHEREAS, the statistics show that Men continue to live an average of almost six years less than women; furthermore, the data shows that Native American and African-American Men have the lowest life expectancy overall; in spite of the advances in modern medical health technology and research; and
WHEREAS, educating men continues to be a priority; as men who are educated about the value of preventative health are more likely to participate in health screenings; and what is more, fathers who maintain healthy lifestyles are more likely to become role models for their children, ultimately leading to happier healthier children and healthier future adults; and
WHEREAS, John H. Gregory founded the National African American Male Wellness Agency in 2004 in Columbus, Ohio - with the goal of raising awareness and to help African American men to live longer, happier, healthier lives by taking proactive steps to avoid preventable disease; and
WHEREAS, The National African American Male Wellness Walk/Run Initiative is the largest health initiative for minorities in the state of Ohio - in recent years, the African American Male Wellness Walk in Columbus, Ohio has hosted more than 30,000 people, and conducted more than1000 individual health screenings in a single day; and
WHEREAS, 2021 marks the 18th Anniversary of the AAMWI which has provided thousands of health screenings to men in Central Ohio and now has wellness events, walks and screenings in cities across the United States in places like, Detroit, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Seattle Atlanta, and other cities; and
WHEREAS, President Obama in his discussion regarding the AAMWI stated that, “Everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy life, and all our communities should have the support they need to thrive; yet despite the overall improvement of health care and services across America in recent years, disparities in health persist;” and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus Public Health and a vast array of corporate and community partners, volunteers, organizers and others are committed to improving the overall health of our residents; moreover, the 5K signature event is FREE and open to anyone regardless of their age; this year, the African American Male Wellness Walk will be a part of a seven-day event called Black Men’s Health Week leading up to the walk; events during Black Men’s Health Week will include a Career Fair, Wellness Classes, Real Men Real Talk Topics, a concert, and more; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare August 7-14 as Black Men’s Health Week in the City of Columbus; moreover, this Council recognizes the work of the National African American Male Wellness Agency and thanks its organizers, supporters, volunteers, and participants for working to improve men’s health.