A Campaign Built to Move African Americans into Health Care.

I CHOOSE LIFE “. . .

A five state campaign designed to address HIV/AIDS among African Americans with the goal to test, educate and move them into treatment and care.

Alabama

Georgia

Tennessee

Mississippi

Louisiana

A 5-year national campaign spearheaded by National Action Network (NAN) that addresses five major health disparities facing the African American community.
 

five state campaign

Goal:

To screen, educate and motivate African Americans regarding healthy behaviors, treatment options, research and clinical trials; with a focus on HIV/AIDS (STD’s).

Action:

Publicity and outreach sustained locally and nationally. Relationship building with medical professionals and community leaders. Program activities driven through collaborating partners.

What makes “I Choose Life” different from any other African American health campaign?

I Choose Life is a true partnership between the African American community, African American physicians, researchers, elected officials, clergy, community leaders, etc.

arrow_web02 Heterosexual African American men will work closely to address issues of HIV/AIDS, IDU, incarceration, post-incarceration, homophobia and fidelity.

arrow_web03 Heterosexual and homosexual Black men will gather for a series of dialog to address HIV/AIDS, homophobia, stigma, testing, treatment and care.
 
arrow_web04 I Choose Life campaign is a one-of-a-kind movement that will engage, educate and encourage heterosexual Black men to dialog with the incarcerated, post-incarcerated, homosexual community, IDUs, self-defined homosexual (MSM), relatives, friends and loved ones around the issues of HIV/AIDS, STDs, testing, treatment and care.

arrow_web05 Black men will engage in dialog around HIV/AIDS.
 
arrow_web06 Work closely with African American men and women around issues of condom negotiation, safer sex practices, post-incarceration and re-entry into the community, HIV testing, treatment and care.

arrow_web07 Church to church, city to city and state to state collaboration around testing for HIV/AIDS and STD’s.

arrow_web08 I Choose Life campaign will work closely with legislators to address the HIV/AIDS disparities among African Americans and other people of color.

Is The Idea Feasible?  YES!

I Choose Life campaign is consistent with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health’s strategic framework for improving and/or eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities.

I Choose Life” Activities are Designed to:

arrow_web13 Increase knowledge.

arrow_web14 Promote positive attitudes toward the medical/health industry.

arrow_web15 Improve skills that effect decisions regarding health-related behaviors.

arrow_web12 Use a broad range of informational and educational methods.

Use a broad range of materials, dissemination channels and venues such as:

1. Popular and professional publications
2. Radio and television broadcasts
3. Computer-web-based technologies
4. Mass media campaigns
5. One-on-one and/or group oriented community education

Take into account the unique historical and cultural experiences of African Americans.

Foster national partnerships for action to end health disparities.

How Will WE Do It?

By implementing 4 major program components with follow-up evaluation in each city:

1. Leadership conferences and symposiums featuring physicians, health professionals, and university scholars who will share their expertise in African American culture and psychology and its correlation to patient-physician relationships.
 
2. Community oriented events, including health fairs, health challenges, and community dialogues with emphasis on achieving healthier lifestyles and communicating about health issues.
 
3. Community conferences and symposiums featuring governmental allies (city, county, state and federal) to address and shape legislations that address the needs of African Americans and other poor and undeserved communities.
 
4. Health promotion and education through local and national media broadcasts and on-line resources.

National Action Network (NAN) will partner with several African American organizations.  Each chapter coordinator will drive campaign activities promoting participation through existing community relationships and health-driven incentives. Listed below are just a few ventures:

arrow_web11 National and Local Broadcast Media-Campaign

arrow_web11 Create a radio show, I Choose Life, Healthy Tuesday on the air

arrow_web10 On-line promotions and partner websites will promote the campaign and movement. E-Blasts will provide updates and information on new treatments, clinical trials and more.

arrow_web09 Community Outreach and PR at the local and national levels, promotional materials will be distributed at churches, barbershops, salons, restaurants, clinics, emergency rooms, high profile community events, i.e., Blues Festivals, Essence Music Festival, JazzFest, Memphis In May Festival and community groups and organizations.

The Team:

A diverse group of Professionals that consist of:

National Action Network (NAN)
NAACP
The National Urban League

SCLC                                                                                                                                            
Radio One, Keeping It Real with Al Sharpton

PSA’s on local television and radio in targeted cities

African American Print Media
Physicians, Epidemiologists, Researchers and Educators
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Local Health Departments
City, County, State and Federal local officials
Civic, Social, Fraternal and Community based organizations
Clergy, Activists and Advocates, Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Medicine and Science

Tactical Plan:

Campaign Kickoff Events in Memphis, TN and Atlanta, GA
Celebrity and Opinion Leaders “I Choose Life” Endorsements
BET and C-SPAN Broadcast Summit

Tom Joyner Morning Show
Steve Harvey Morning Show
Michael Baisden Show

Radio One Broadcast Promotions  
Radio One Promotions                                                            
On-line Promotions  
Community Engagement                                                          
Health Screenings, Testing and Referrals
Health Promotions and Education Activities for all Ages 
Program Evaluation and Sustainability

HBCU’S and other College Partners

Georgia:

Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, Savannah State University, Clark Atlanta University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College, Paine College, Spelman College

Louisiana:

Grambling State University, Southern University A&M College, Southern University at New Orleans, Dillard University, Xavier University, Southern University at Shreveport

Tennessee:

Tennessee State University, Knoxville College, Lane College, Lemoyne-Owen College, Meharry Medical College

Mississippi:

Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, Tougaloo College, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College

Alabama:

Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bishop State
Community College, Corcordie College, J.F. Drake State Technical
College, Lawson State Community College, Miles College, Oakwood
College, Selma University, Shelton State Community College, Stillman
College, Talladega College, Trenholm Technical College, Tuskegee University
 

Education and Awareness Programs:

Symposiums for Medical Professionals and Public Forums

Community Health Education Programs such as:

Meds Boot Camp - How to visit the Doctor
Power to Prevent Diabetes
Youth Health Forums and more
How to Visit the Doctor’s Office
How to Talk with your Doctor
Healthy Check List
Taking your Medication

 

Logo_ICL

Sesa Wo Suban - Symbol of life transformation . . .

“I change or transform my life.”

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