Health & Wellness

Anti-Violence Ventures Presents “Black Men & Boys Take A Lead” as Brand Ambassador, Award Winning Actor Obba Babatundé Host Virtual Event On Saturday, November 14th

Guest Panelist: Emmy Award Winner Glynn Turman, Award Winning Actor James Pickens Jr. and American Filmmaker & Actor Reginald T. Dorsey

On Saturday, November 14^th at 12 PST, the Anti-Violence Ventures (AVV) will launch their first national conversation, “Black Cowboys Take the Lead: A Virtual Conversation With Black Cowboys.” The event will be hosted by award winning actor, Obba Babatundé and feature actors Glynn Turman, Reginald T. Dorsey and James Pickens, Jr as guest panelists, all of whom happen to be real Cowboys.

AVV’s “Black Men & Boys Take a Lead” is an innovative anti-violence social intervention. Anti-Violence Ventures is a prototype project designed as part of the Blue Shield of CA Foundation’s Reimagine Lab; an initiative focused on preventing cycles of violence now and into the future. Anti-Violence Ventures (AVV) centers around the intrinsic link between Black males and females in the three types of violence that are prevalent among Black couples, families, and in Black neighborhoods – domestic, family, and community violence.

“As a man who has witnessed the devastating effects of violence be it physical, mental or systemic, I believe strongly that we must begin to have a conversation to identify it in it’s different forms and as a collective come up with ideas and possible actions to fight against the continuance of violence.” – Obba Babatundé

In 2018, Blue Shield of California Foundation launched Reimagine Lab, a design lab intended to bring together leaders from diverse backgrounds to learn, reflect, and co-create promising ideas and solutions to break the multi-generational cycle of domestic violence. California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) CEO, Sonya Young Aadam was selected as one of 16 fellows in the Reimagine Lab who came together around a vision for a better future and a desire to help make it a reality. AVV was developed and initially prototyped in late 2018. An updated scope includes CBO’s, Black male owned or led businesses, organizations and agencies to support embedding an aspect of partner, family and community violence prevention into some aspect of their general business, activities or programming.

“It is assumed that Black men and boys are not always comfortable talking about personal and community violence or prevention. We believe that with investments, incentives, support and encouragement, Black men and boys will engage in transformative dialogue and action around violence and violence prevention!” states AVV Founder and CEO of the California Black Women’s Health Project, Sonya Young Aadam

General DATA on Black Males:

20 million Black males in US

26% live in poverty

6x higher homicide rate

745,000 incarcerated

AVV 2018-19 surveys reveal:

33% experience 10+ family violence incidents;

60% witnessed 10+ community violence incidents

The AVV approach includes the co-laboring of Black males and females in naming the challenges and exploring solutions to the violence between and among them.

“We move beyond traditional narratives of “women-centered domestic/sexual violence”, male-centered street violence”, and the relative silence on family violence – “what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors”. We inspire new ways of thinking that bridge the chasms between the forms of violence that are prevalent in Black relationships, homes, and neighborhoods – domestic violence, family violence, and street violence,” states Aadam.

ANTI-VIOLENCE VENTURES will support the Black community in identifying the who, what, why, and how violence prevention is possible for us and by us.

In 2020, CABWHP teamed up with Margo Wade LaDrew, President of Wade & Associates Group– a boutique agency specializing in local, regional and national Special Events, Project Management, Marketing and Community Outreach.

“We are so pleased to partner with CABWHP to develop innovative events to reach men of all walks of life and to meet them where they are. Our goal is to amplify the voices of Black men and boys and work to expand the project reach nationally,” says Mrs. LaDrew.

Margo is an expert when it comes to working and reaching Black Men as she was instrumental in both the development and launch of the first Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program. Her company managed the program and executed a 26 City Tour. In addition she represents and serves as the National Development Director for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo-The only Nationally recognized Black Rodeo Tour in the world for the past 26 years reaching thousands of Black men and boys across the U.S and abroad.

The “Black Men & Boys Take a Lead” Project will host podcasts, Virtual Events and Live Man Cave Conversations.” The focus is men talking, listening, and asking questions about various aspects of all forms of violence within the Black communities. While men can listen and ask questions as well as have some connection with other men expressing their thoughts, and their feelings; it is the live events where men can commune and fellowship around the same cause: Black men dealing with violence and exploring ways to prevent it!

There will be several Covid -19 Social Distancing live events that will bring Black Barbers as well as Fraternities and other men organizations together to discuss their thoughts about how Black men deal violence and solutions though out Southern California.

AVV “Black Men & Boys Take a Lead” programs and events are produced by Wade & Associates Group in partnership with the California Black Women Health Project (CBWHP). Media Partners include KRPR Media, LLC and Connect Black LA (CBLA).

For more information on the project, get involved and/or to check out other upcoming events, please visit: www.antiviolencevenures.org

For Media Inquiries/Features: KimiRhochelle of KRPR Media, llc / [email protected]

TO REGISTER FOR FREE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_voCy1vtPT_22kM8xO4FkTQ

Chadwick Boseman’s Death A Surprise While Colon Cancer Deaths Among Black Men Are All Too Common

The death of 43-year-old actor Chadwick Boseman may have come as a surprise to many who associate colon cancer with older adults. To oncologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons, however, it highlighted a sadly well-known racial disparity: that Black people are 20% more likely to develop colorectal cancer than white people, and that Black men are at the greatest risk — they are nearly 50% more likely to die of colon cancer than white men.

Younger people, too, are increasingly developing colon cancer: The incidence rate is still low, but it’s growing for people under 50. On top of that, the coronavirus pandemic has likely made things worse, since routine care designed to catch the disease early was put on hold for months.

Researchers and doctors don’t know why colorectal cancer is more common among Black Americans, but it’s likely a combination of factors. Other chronic health conditions can increase the risk for colon cancer, such as obesity, which affects African Americans at disproportionate rates. The cancer could be caused by genetic conditions that run in families, or environmental factors like diet and exposure to air pollution.

Source: https://whyy.org/articles/chadwick-bosemans-death-was-a-surprise-but-colon-cancer-deaths-among-black-men-are-all-too-common/

Black Women Founders Bring COVID-19 Screening Stations to Schools, Offices, Prisons and More

With COVID-19 infections topping more than 2.2 million in the United States, Black and Brown communities continue to be among the hardest-hit populations in the country. The coronavirus pandemic has brought to the forefront the vital need for ongoing temperature monitoring as a first line of defense, in fact, in some states, certain employers are required to conduct routine onsite temperature checks as a permissible screening mechanism.

“We are thrilled to be working with such a respected team of engineers and software developers to expand our company’s capability and assist in reducing the risk of the spread of the virus,” says Lynda. Their Maryland-based company will sell these temperature screening stations under their own brand called Orange ThermoControl™ and Orange ThermoControl Plus™ powered by Promobot.

“These stations are game-changers and have the ability to impact a lot of people by bringing this safety solution to the masses,” says Carolyn.

Their devices are free-standing and offer a non-contact thermal temperature reader, camera, 21.5″ display, face recognition module, access control system module, advance notification system, built-in speakers for audio assistance, and customizable software integration. The stations provide a fast, convenient, contact-free process for measuring body temperature and allows communication between user and remote operator with privacy in mind. Telepresence mode is an advanced notification system able to integrate with a company’s CRM access control systems and satisfies ADA standards for accessible design.

Even more, Orange ThermoControl™ and Orange ThermoControl Plus™ powered by Promobot are programmed and assembled in the USA. Installation consists of three quick steps and does not require any prolonged commissioning.

“We see our products as a necessary enhancement to safety protocols to assist with the health and well-being of people everywhere. There is no need to take a chance and risk your staff and employees’ exposure to COVID-19 when we have the solution,” they add.

Source: https://www.blackbusiness.com/2020/06/black-women-founders-using-thermal-robotics-rapid-test-kits-fight-covid-19.html

Band-Aid Adding New Line of Bandages to Match Different Skin Tones

Band-Aid is launching a new line of bandages that is sure to stick with people of all races.

On Thursday, the adhesive bandage brand announced that in light of the current racial injustices around the world, they will be rolling out a new series of bandages that reflect all different skin tones.

“We hear you. We see you. We’re listening to you,” Band-Aid wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the various skin tone-colored bandages.

“We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, collaborators and community in the fight against racism, violence and injustice. We are committed to taking actions to create tangible change for the Black community,” the brand added.

Source: https://people.com/human-interest/band-aid-new-line-bandages-different-skin-tones/

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

LACDMH Resources:

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of our County family, friends and colleagues. News and updates about COVID-19 may trigger anxiety, panic, frustration and depression—even when your risk of getting sick is low. During an infectious disease outbreak, please take the time to care for your own physical and mental health, and please reach out to others in kindness and compassion.

LACDMH has published the following materials to address mental health & wellbeing needs and concerns:

Why is the coronavirus deadly for so many African Americans in LA?

NEWS STORIES

Why is the coronavirus deadly for so many African Americans in LA?

Written by Nigel Duara May. 11, 2020 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Spread of the virus has been fairly egalitarian among races. But the death toll is hitting L.A. County’s black residents the hardest.Graphic by CalMatters.

When he worked at a hospital in downtown Los Angeles, Dr. Gregory Taylor saw cases that reflected the community where he grew up: a host of underlying health conditions killing black patients.

Taylor, an internist, called those conditions —diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases —“a part of the community fabric” among black residents of South Los Angeles.

“It’s true across our ethnicity as a whole,” said Taylor, who grew up in Leimert Park and now works at Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California. “What you see over and over is black folks in a poorer state of health.”

Now those underlying conditions are contributing to African Americans’ vulnerability to COVID-19, which is killing them at the highest rate among all races in Los Angeles County.

Of the 1,418 people who died in Los Angeles County –by far the largest number in California –12.5 percent are black residents, even though they make up 8 percent of the population, according to the Department of Public Health’s dashboard.

A disparate death rate

The spread of the virus in Los Angeles County has been relatively egalitarian: No matter how rich, or white, or educated the neighborhood, nearly every area has confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Some of the highest infection rates are in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Melrose, wealthy ZIP codes where more than 75 percent of the population is white.

But the impacts once the coronavirus reaches a neighborhood are a different story.

For instance, in Inglewood, which has one of the largest black populations in Los Angeles County, the death rate from the virus is 34 per 100,000 residents, while in majority-white Glendale, just 14 miles away, it’s 18 deaths per 100,000,according to the county’s dashboard data.

Part of the explanation could be the high rates of underlying health conditions among the area’s black residents. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma all lead to more severe outcomes for people with COVID-19.

Residents of the county’s South region, which includes Inglewood, have nearly twice the rate of diabetes as residents of the San Fernando Valley area, which includes Glendale. When asked by UCLA researchers to rate their own health, 25 percent of residents in Inglewood answered fair or poor, the lowest scores in the county, compared with 15% in Glendale.

Source: -cont- https://www.kcrw.com/news/articles/why-is-the-coronavirus-deadly-for-so-many-african-americans-in-la

It’s No Surprise Black and Brown Communities Are Hit Hard by COVID-19

At age 26, recently engaged and about to start my first grown-up managerial position in city government, I was handed a hefty report summarizing the results of my “comprehensive executive health assessment,” an onboarding requirement for all the city’s newly hired managers. The process had included an extensive physical examination, a lengthy written questionnaire, and an hourlong in-person interview with a nerdy, non-smiling white guy who took detailed notes on my diet, lifestyle and mental health.

I relaxed immediately when I saw I had received an overall rating of “excellent health.” Then I turned to the last page of the report and read some alarming news. If I were to die in the next year, the report informed me, the likeliest cause of death would be homicide.

The next day, my first call was to Mr. Non- Smiley.

“Hey, I got my health assessment,” I began, trying to sound managerial and calm while feeling anything but, “and I have a few questions. Since I was found to be in excellent health, I was a little surprised to learn about my risk of being murdered. Do you know something I don’t know?”

“Well, first, Miss Belk, let me just say we are very objective,” he replied in a dry monotone. “It’s all about data and the model.”

“OK, so why did the model conclude that I’m at risk of being killed?”

“You’re an otherwise healthy African American woman between the ages of 21 and 30. The data show that if you were going to die today, it would likely be the result of a homicide.”

“So, what’s that about? My age, my race, my gender?”

“Oh, race by far,” he said quickly. “If you were white, it would likely be some type of accident. Car, probably.”

The “it” part — the likely cause of death; in my case, homicide — jarred me. Silence. Mr. Non-Smiley, breaking the silence, and finally showing a little compassion in his own awkward way.

“You know, Miss Belk, it’s only data. Besides, once you make it to your 30s, heart disease, stroke and cancer kick in as key data points.”

I did make it to 30. But my big sister, Vickie, and cousin Darryl didn’t. They both were murdered, victims of gun violence in their 20s.

Neither of us knew it at the time, but Mr. Non-Smiley had given me my first lesson in what public health professionals call “the social determinants of health,” a fancy way of saying that your income, ZIP Code and race can and often do determine your health, longevity and even your cause of your death.

What I know now is that the long history of racial discrimination in our country has led not only to economic disparities but to poorer health outcomes for black people.

Consider what’s happening right now with the coronavirus. In cities across the country, COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting black and brown communities.In Louisiana, black people account for 32% of the population but 56% of the COVID-19 deaths. In Chicago, black people account for about 55% of the deaths, but only about a third of the population. Americans have lived with this kind of data for a long time, on disease after disease. It’s about time we did some new modeling where racial equity is front and center.

Source: -cont- https://www.calwellness.org/stories/its-no-surprise-black-and-brown-communities-are-hit-hard-by-covid-19/