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March 17, 2005
PROGRESSIVE
NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION PROMOTES PROGRAM
TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS
What: Launch event with pastors from various congregations across the
region. The Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) is working with
the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to promote "Body & Soul: A Celebration
of Healthy Eating & Living." Body & Soul is a health program for African
American churches that encourages congregations to eat a healthy diet rich
in fruits and vegetables as part of an active lifestyle. Developed by NCI,
Body & Soul is part of its overall effort to eliminate the health
disparities found among African Americans.
This event will provide an opportunity for pastors to participate in
collective dialogue about health issues that plague the African American
community and learn how Body & Soul can be incorporated as a pivotal focus
to a church's health ministry.
Note: PNBC represents approximately 2.5 million African Americans and
Africans in the Diaspora.
Who: Dr. Major L. Jemison, President of PNBC will moderate the event. Other
speakers will include:
* Rev. Sarah Britt - Cancer Survivor and Pastor, First Baptist Church of
Deanwood, Washington, D.C.
* Dr. Lenora Johnson - Acting Director, Center for Strategic Dissemination,
NCI, Bethesda, MD
* Dr. Terry Mason - Chief of Urology, Mercy Hospital, Chicago, IL
When: The event will take place on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. A
healthy breakfast will be served. All media RSVPs for breakfast must be
received by the COB Friday, March 18, 2005 by contacting Deborah Pankey-Mebane
at e-mail address:
deborahpankeymebane@netzero.net or by phone at 301-477-3760.
Where: National Press Club – First Amendment Room, 529 14th Street, NW -
13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045. General Information: 202-662-7500;
http://www.press.org
Why: PNBC and NCI feel it is imperative to actively address the health
crisis facing the African American community by educating and empowering
churches. Both PNBC and NCI recognize that the African American church
continues to be the center of the community and an important vehicle in
affecting positive change.
Media Contact: Deborah Pankey-Mebane at 301-477-3760 (office)/ 410-206-8082
(cell).
-end-
Progressive National
Baptist Convention
601 50th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019
202-396-0558 1-800-876-7622 Fax: 202-398-4998
E-Mail:info@pnbc.org
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