Tobacco, obesity, HIV/AIDS and immigrant health addressed by members of congress

Members of Congress, public health experts, community leaders and citizens of South Florida convened today to address racial and ethnic health disparities in the areas of tobacco, obesity, immigrant health and HIV/AIDS.

The American Legacy Foundation, Pfizer and the Kellogg Men's Health Initiative sponsored the one-day summit held at Miami- Dade College.

Tobacco, obesity and HIV/AIDS are among the nation's leading public health threats. These epidemics are having disproportionate effects on racial, ethnic and immigrant communities, many of whom have limited access to health care services. Today's summit included open panel discussions in order to identify possible solutions to the unequal toll these health problems have on specific populations.

"We are so proud that these sponsors have come together to increase awareness about preventive health issues in the minority communities," said U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek, member, Congressional Black Caucus, 17th Congressional District of Florida. "Today's event highlighted the need for more resources to help disadvantaged communities." Other members of Congress who attended the event include: U.S. Representative Donna M. Christensen, chair, Congressional Black Caucus Brain Trust, U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress; U.S. Representative Hilda Solis, chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Task Force, 32nd Congressional District of California; and U.S. Representative Mike Honda, chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, 15th Congressional District of California.

Earlier this year, the American Legacy Foundation released a new analysis showing America's most disadvantaged populations are carrying the burden of two of these major public health epidemics -- smoking and obesity. This research is a stark reminder that tobacco remains a public health threat, especially to those with the fewest resources.

"The American Legacy Foundation is committed to reaching and serving the populations disproportionately impacted by tobacco use and to providing educational materials on smoking and resources for quitting," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and CEO, American Legacy Foundation. "Our Priority Populations Initiative includes a $26 million grants program that provides funds to help reduce tobacco use among those communities that are disproportionately impacted by tobacco use: African Americans; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Native Americans and Alaska Natives; Hispanics and Latinos; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community and person of low socioeconomic status."

"More must be done to help those who are most vulnerable in our health care system today. To fully address racial and ethnic disparities in health care delivery and health outcomes, communities must have information on disease management and prevention, and equitable access to care for all," said Forest Harper, vice president, Pfizer Share Card, Pfizer Inc.

"There are significant racial and ethnic health disparities in tobacco use, obesity, and HIV/AIDS, particularly comparing low income men of color with their white counterparts. The Center for the Advancement of Health is pleased to support the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's goals of helping people help themselves and reducing racial/ethnic health disparities by facilitating Kellogg's Men's Health Initiative," said Ms. Barbara Krimgold, director, Kellogg Programs, Center for the Advancement of Health. "The Center is pleased to be working with Dr. Leda Perez and Dr. April Young at Community Voices Miami and the Collins Center for Public Policy on this men's health campaign."

Today's discussions demonstrate the dire need for resources, such as smoking cessation clinics, consumer call lines, effective educational campaigns, to be made available for anyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle or make positive changes in their health and the health of their family.