By Leslie Elus
The 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc. (The 100) and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Company partner to host health awareness programming across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
The workshop, dubbed Clinical Research & Me, was held at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church located at 1866 NW 51st Terrace, Miami, FL 33142. Over a hundred twenty parishioners participated in the program which consisted of a Sunday service, educational workshop, and healthy brunch. Attendees primarily consisted of residents from the City of Miami and greater Miami-Dade County.
“Increasing diversity in clinical trials is important because it helps make sure medical treatments are safe and effective for everyone. When clinical trials are representative—meaning they include people of different races, genders, ages, and health conditions—they better reflect the real-world population,” noted José Raúl López de Victoria Martínez, Community Clinical Navigator for Inside Edge Consulting Group
In the past, many research studies left out certain groups, often resulting in marketplace treatments that are not effective for the majority of the population. By including more diverse participants in drug and medical device studies, we can improve health outcomes for all and ensure all people can benefit from advances in medicine.
“The church is hosting this program [with The 100] because it has always been a trusted anchor in the community, particularly in underserved populations. By offering this program, the church is fulfilling its prophetic and pastoral role to promote spiritual and physical well being…promoting health education and equitable research aligns with the biblical call to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and reflects the church’s commitment to justice, healing, and community empowerment,” accounts Pastor Reginald Jackson III, Senior Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church.
Chartered on June 24, 1989, The 100 is a South Florida nonprofit composed of men across a spectrum of professional fields with a shared vision of improving the quality of life for African Americans and minority groups through mentoring.
One of the major initiatives of the 100 Black Men of South Florida is to promote health and wellness within Black and brown communities. Its partners include Simply Health, Inside Edge Consulting Group, and other health agencies committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and general wellness across the tri-counties. The collective of Black professionals strives to eliminate health disparities in the African American community by promoting increased education and awareness, policy development, advocacy, and behavioral paradigm shifts.
“People need reliable information to make informed health decisions. Education is the key to prevention, advocacy, and better quality of life,” shared Dr. Pierre Rutledge, President of the 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc.
Over the next year, The 100 hopes to continue to host health awareness programs and fitness activities across South Florida to promote its Health & Wellness Initiative .
