Sept. 14, 2004 — "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day," a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services campaign, kicks off in the V.I. Tuesday, Sept. 21.
The campaign is sponsored locally by the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, in conjunction with Knight Quality Stations Radio One and WSTA.
"We are very pleased to be a part of this important awareness campaign," Rodney E. Miller Sr., president and CEO of the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, said.
It is part of an HHS national campaign that focuses on the health gap between racial and ethnic minorities and the general population. This year, the Roy L. Schneider Hospital is partnering with HHS to encourage Virgin Islanders to become more involved in their health care and health choices.
"Statistically, African-Americans suffer a greater incident rate of diabetes, infant mortality and cancers than the general population, and this effort helps our community in addressing this staggering problem," Miller said.
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said the campaign is about "bringing people to health care early, when diseases can be prevented or treated successfully. It is also about creating awareness, providing information and motivating Americans to make healthy lifestyle choices."
Knight Quality Stations and WSTA are airing a series of public service announcements rallying minorities to visit a doctor, nurse, or make an appointment with a health care professional. In addition, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner will promote the event on his morning show on KISS 101.3.
For more information on the program, see the Closing the Health Gap website at www.omhrc.gov/healthgap.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice… click here.