Keynote speaker Daniel Dawes, JD, urges the South Florida community
to remain engaged and help close the health equity gap
A “dream team” of health equity advocates, including Daniel Dawes, JD, and NBA Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning, led Summit attendees in a pledge to support the health and well-being of Black men. The Health Foundation of South Florida is asking the community to take the pledge and publicly share their commitment to health by submitting videos here.
The Health Foundation of South Florida is pleased to announce the powerful conclusion of its third annual Black Health Summit, which took place on June 4, 2024, at Florida Memorial University. The Summit, which aims to drive improvements in Black health disparities, convened a diverse A-list of local and national health equity experts, community leaders, and advocates to address critical issues and root causes of the significant gaps in Black health outcomes in South Florida.
The Summit featured engaging presentations and dynamic discussions. Key themes of this year’s Summit, highlighted by keynote speaker Daniel Dawes, JD, Founding Dean of the School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, were the Political Drivers of Health and Black men’s health. Other experts from health systems, communities, and public and private sectors convened to discuss the “Big P” policy environment and “little p” organizational and institutional practices as the Health Foundation continues to build strategies and solutions for reducing health disparities in South Florida.
Highlights of the Black Health Summit included:
- An insightful presentation by Professor Zinzi Bailey, ScD, MSPH, explaining the social drivers of health and how they have shaped current health disparities.
- A powerful and eye-opening keynote address by Daniel Dawes, delving into “The Political Determinants of Health,” systemic processes and distribution of resources that have shaped the mental, behavioral, and physical health of individuals in marginalized groups.
- Two engaging panel discussions on Florida’s current state of health equity policy and organizational practices, namely the cultural and political determinants impacting access to care and Black men’s health.
- A thought-provoking conversation with Wizdom Powell, PhD, MPH, Chief Purpose Officer at Headspace, about how we all can and must support Black men on their journeys to radical healing.
- An inspiring chat with basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, Founder of the Overtown Youth Center. One day prior to the Summit, he revealed that he was recovering from Stage 3 prostate cancer surgery. In an open and revealing conversation, “Zo” urged men, all those who love them, and Black men in particular – who are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as compared to non-Hispanic white men – to get regular screenings.
“The Health Foundation of South Florida is proud to have brought together such a formidable slate of thought leaders and community-based leaders for an essential discussion about Black health equity. The Summit’s aim to engage participants in identifying solutions for progress was evident in the rich discussions and actionable insights shared throughout the day,” said Health Foundation of South Florida President and CEO Loreen Chant.
The Summit concluded with audience engagement and a “dream team” of experts convened by the Health Foundation of South Florida. These eight Black men stood together and invited everyone to join in a pledge to Black men’s health and well-being. The diverse audience’s commitment to co-creating a more equitable future for South Florida was palpable. The Health Foundation of South Florida is now encouraging the community to take the pledge and publicly share their commitment to health by submitting videos here.
“The curtains may have closed on the 2024 Black Summit, but the work to secure equitable access to health and well-being for every South Floridian continues, “ added Chant. “I am hopeful the community will stay engaged, heed the words of Dr. Dawes, and help bring an end to our health equity crisis.”
With close to 400 people in attendance, the Summit’s tremendous success reaffirms the Health Foundation’s dedication to driving positive change in community health and health equity. To access the references and resources from the Summit, follow this link: Black Health Summit 2024 References & Resources | Health Foundation of South Florida (hfsf.org)
-###-
About Health Foundation of South Florida
The Health Foundation of South Florida has been serving South Florida for over 30 years, investing more than $148 million in nonprofits that provide programs and services in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. The Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for collaborations and policy and systems changes that improve the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low to moderate-income populations. For more information, visit www.hfsf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Recent Comments