Our Health, Our Future, The Vital Importance Of Black Health Fairs

Garnell Whitfield and Rev. Michael D. Bell

Paramount Lodge #73 and Durham Memorial Community Outreach Center will host their 2nd Annual Health Fair from 9:00 AM to 2 PM at Durham Memorial Church, located at 200 E. Eagle street, Buffalo NY, 14204.

“It’s not the load that breaks you down it’s the way you carry it”. ~ Lena Horne

This quote from legendary star, Lena Horne can be viewed as a poignant reflection when it comes to how we manage our health. When a burden is perceived as too heavy to manage, asking for help can change a struggle into a manage able path. Finding knowledgeable and benevolent allies in the healthcare and social services sector who understand needs can make a world of difference. That said, on October 24, Paramount Lodge #73 and Durham Memorial Community Outreach Center will conduct their second annual health fair. The sole purpose of the event is to help educate and share resources that will have a positive and tangible impact on the quality of people’s lives throughout our community.

Mark Dobson

One could ask, why are health fairs important? Statistics show that Black Americans experience well-documented gaps in health outcomes compared to other populations. The average life expectancy for African Americans is roughly 70.8 to 72.8 years, compared to 76 to 77 years for White Americans. The black infant mortality rate is roughly double of white infants, while black women experience pregnancy related mortality rates, roughly 3 times higher. We suffer from higher rates of early onset hypertension, cardio vascular disease, diabetes and hospitalizations and specific cancer mortalities (such as prostate and breast cancer).

It is important to note that these disparities do not stem from biological flaws. Studies have proven that they are rooted in structural and environmental factors. Historical and ongoing realities such as residential segregation, red lining, food deserts and the economic wealth gaps have exposed our communities to higher levels of environmental toxins and chronic stress. There is also the issue of access to care and the economics of quality care that we must contend with. On a national basis, it has been proven that we experience higher uninsured rates and frequently we delay necessary care due to prohibitive costs.

It is important to note that Geographic disparities such as hospital closures or a lack of well-resourced facilities in predominantly black neighbor hoods has compounded the problem.

These issues, coupled with implicit racial bias and stereo typing via some healthcare professionals, have helped to foster a deep seated and historically grounded mistrust in medical institutions in our country. Ultimately confronting and managing these issues can lead to better health outcomes and a higher standard of living for many. And to that end health fairs play an important role in helping us to address systemic health disparities. In short, they can provide free or low-cost preventative care and build trust in spaces that are tailored to our cultural needs.

The partnership between Paramount Lodge #72 and Durham Memorial AME Zion Church’s Community Zion Community Outreach Center is in line with Western New York history of advocacy and the promotion of healthcare opportunities. On March 27, 2021, in partnership with city and state officials, along with medical practice of the Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN), the community outreach center opened its doors, which helped almost 1000 individuals receive Covid-19 vaccinations. The community center continues to offer services (childcare services, family based social service forums, and various their day-to-day struggles).

Paramount Lodge #73 has been a force for good in our community for more than 97 years. Founded June 1, 1929. It has been located at 248 East Utica Street since November 1957. W.E.B DuBois’ work (sociologist, historian and Masonic leader) inspired the work Masons do in the community. Dr. Dubois was a leader who advocated community-based health education, preventive medicine, and the structural overhaul of public health. His core arguments and historical contributions laid the intellectual groundwork for how community health outreach operate today.

Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Please don’t miss the opportunity to foster a connection with professionals that can help you to feel healthier and more robust as you journey on the never-ending path towards good health.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 24th. Start time is at 9 am and it will end at 2 pm. We hope to see you there.