April 2017 edition

FREE April 2017

Dr. Frederic Bertley New COSI President “A Mission to Succeed”

5 26 28

Partnerships: Serving Patients Holistically

By Charleta B. Tavares

MyPlate for Older Adults

By Barbara A. Sykes

Ohio Commission on Minority Health

By Angela Dawson, MS

OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OHIO.

To find out more about what we’re doing in the community and how you can get involved visit aarp.org/oh.

Publisher’s Page Founder & Publisher Ray Miller

Layout & Design Ray Miller, III

Assistant Editor Ray Miller, III

Associate Editor Edward Bell IT Specialist Angela Robison Distribution Manager Ronald Burke Research Associate Florence Ogola

Lead Photographer Steve Harrison

Contributing Editors Tim Anderson Edward Bell, MBA Lisa Benton, MD, MPH Rodney Q. Blount, Jr. MA Iris Cooper, DBA Angela Dawson, MS Kevin Dixon, Psy.D Alethea E. Gaddis Iris E. Harvey, PhD Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D Cecil Jones, MBA William McCoy, MPA Florence Ogola Jason Reece, PhD Rebecca Shapiro Barbara A. Sykes Senator Charleta B. Tavares Marion Thompson Kareem M. Usher, PhD

The Columbus African American news journal was founded by Ray Miller on January 10, 2011

The Columbus African American 503 S. High Street - Suite 102 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Welcome to the 73rd monthly edition of The Columbus African American.

The editorial focus for this edition of the news journal is Minority Health.

Because this topic is so broad, and critically important, we will extend this theme into the May edition of the journal, as well. We congratulate the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, its outstanding Executive Director, Angela Dawson, the Board of Directors, staff and supporters of the Commission on a highly successful 30 Year Anniversary Celebration.

This edition is rich in articles addressing a broad range of topics which include Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Aging, Child Abuse, Mental Health, Child Welfare, Hearing Loss, Diet, Nutrition and Exercise, Food Insecurity, Health Partnerships and Collaborations, and violence reduction, among others.

Our Cover Story features one of the most dynamic and brilliant young men whom I have ever met. Dr. Frederic Bertley is the new President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry-COSI. He comes to Columbus from having been a Senior Vice-President at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You will enjoy his story. The Columbus African American will soon provide an opportunity for our entire community to come out and greet Dr. Bertley.

There is an important Primary Election which will be held next month on May 2nd, 2017. There are contested races for City Council and School Board in the cities of Columbus, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg and Hilliard. The African American population in Franklin County is broadly dispersed and substantial in number, at more than 245,000 people. The growing trend is for incumbent candidates and Levy Issues to be run under the radar, so that the people are basically unaware that the election will take place. This is not the case with Issue 1--the Senior Options Levy. The Columbus African American has thoroughly analyzed this issue and we strongly encourage a “Yes Vote” from our community.

Vote Yes on Issue 1 -- Senior Options Levy Franklin County Senior Options, an Office of Aging program, has been helping our elderly since 1993. The program provides seniors with needed assistance right to their doorstep. Franklin County Senior Options connects seniors to Meals-on-Wheels nonprofit services, provides transportation to doctor appointments, supports families with respite care, and even assists seniors with minor house repairs.

Our aging population needs these services. Currently, over 6,000 Franklin County seniors receive program services each month, with 30% self-reporting as minority. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 90% of surveyed individuals 65 years or older indicated that they wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible, with approximately 75% believing they will remain in their homes for the rest of their lives. Charles Gehring, Director of LifeCare Alliance, knows that there are significant cost savings to elder care in the home; residential senior care can cost families about $6200 a month as opposed to in-home care, similar to LifeCare Alliance programs, at about $2000 a month. Care provided in the home is needed, but it is in jeopardy.

President Trump’s budget proposal to Congress eliminates the $3 billion-dollar community development block grants and cuts the Administration for Community Living’s budget, both of which fund Meals-on-Wheels. The Ohio State Plan on Aging: 2015-2018 found that a quarter of Ohio’s elderly receiving programmatic support were in poverty, and a third were at high nutritional risk. Additionally, nearly 20% of Ohio seniors receiving programmatic assistance are minority.

Ohio’s senior population is expected to increase from approximately 13% (2010) to 20% of the state population by 2030. The current county levy to support Senior Options cannot keep up with our aging baby boomers and will expire in 2017. Senior Options program recipients are diverse, with 39% of participants being African American and 6% comprised of other minorities.

Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown was recently asked, “Why is it necessary for Franklin County voters to cast their ballot in favor of this levy?”, and the commissioner knew the facts. She described all of the Senior Options programs that are currently in jeopardy. She described the financial and emotional benefits in-home senior care provides the elderly and their families. Commissioner Marilyn Brown is concerned about senior care and tirelessly advocates for supportive programs, even in a time of governmental austerity. She is a champion for our senior citizens, no matter the political cost. County Commissioner Marilyn Brown genuinely cares for our seniors and it is refreshing to have an elected official sincerely advocate for our most vulnerable citizens, for the right reasons. She urges us to do the same by voting yes on Issue 1 this May. And we need to understand what is at stake.

Without both a renewal and a .45 cent increase, with a vote for Issue 1, the Senior Options program will cease to exist. Franklin County Senior Options will be on the 2017 ballot. We urge our readership to consider our community’s elderly needs and vote yes on Issue 1. Our thanks goes out to Commissioner Marilyn Brown for her diligent leadership and being a champion for seniors.

With Respect and Appreciation,

Office: 614.826.2254 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher 3

The Columbus African American • March 2017

In This Issue

Dr. Frederic Bertley, the new President/CEO of COSI speaks to children visiting the Dinosaur Exhibit.

Cover Story – Page 20

10 11 15 5

Clotilde Bowen: First African American Woman Graduate of OSU Medical School

By: Rodney Blount, Jr., MA

Healthier Lives Begin with Volunteering

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children

King-Lincoln Health Needs Being Met with New Community Health Center

Equitas Health

Patients Holistically

11

Healthier Lives Begin with

Taking Care of Me: A Focus

Volunteering

on Caring for Self

15

King-Lincoln Health Needs

Disparities in the African

Being Met with New

American Community

Community Health Center

8

Need A Checkup?

16

Spring Clean Your Health

8

The Culture of Loud Music

17

The Uneven Access

and Hearing Loss

to Health Food in

Why are Black Folks

Franklin County

So Happy?

18

Planned Parenthood

Clotilde Bowen: First African American Woman Graduate

is Embedded in our Ohio

10

The Columbus African American • April 2017

The Right Thing To Do

24

Caring for Aging Parents

25

Do Not Become A Statistic:

Learn How To Avoid

or Manage Diabetes

25

April is Child Abuse

Prevention Month

26

MyPlate for Older Adults

27

Book Bags & E-Readers

28

Ohio Commission on

Minority Health Celebrates

30th Anniversary 30 King Arts Complex 31

Legislative Update

32

Trump Vs. African

Americans: A Pragmatic

Approach

of OSU Medical School

9

23

Celebrates 30th Anniversary

7

COVER STORY

By: Robert “Bo” Chilton

Partnerships: Serving

6

20

Communities 4

33

COTA Launching New Bus

Network on May 1

33

Maxine Waters: ‘Bill

O’Reilly Needs to

Go to Jail’

34

Using and Organizing Your

Social Media

35

The Bottom Line: The

Power of MBE Social

Entrepreneurs In The

Black Community

36

Community Events

All contents of this news journal are copyrighted © 2015; all rights reserved. Title registration with the U.S. Patent Office pending. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addresses envelope bearing sufficient postage. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

MINORITY HEALTH MONTH PARTNERSHIPS: SERVING PATIENTS HOLISTICALLY

By Charleta B. Tavares April is Minority Health Month and we are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. It is ironic that we are celebrating the defeat of the American Health Care Act (TrumpCare/RyanCare) because of its negative and disparate impact on African Americans, women, older adults and middle/ lower-incomed residents; while at the same time we are celebrating Ohio’s forwardthinking former state Representative and later Senator, Ray Miller who conceived and created the Ohio Commission on Minority Health to address health disparities in racial and ethnic communities. This is a triumph for the people of Ohio and especially, African Americans who will be able to continue to receive preventative care (mammograms, prostrate, diabetes and other screenings, contraceptives etc.) as well as, mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Congratulations to the board and staff of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and the people of America on maintaining the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a.

ObamaCare)!

As we celebrate Minority Health Month, the Board and staff of PrimaryOne Health® wanted to share their strategic plan to prepare for the future of the organization over the next several years. We recognized the imperative to become a strong and effective partner, collaborator and colleague with the many health and social service organizations, faith and other institutions as well as, the community at large in order to serve the whole patient and stay focused on one central tenet: being patient-centered. Not just because it is the current health care fad or that it is on trend but because it is the right thing to do for the health and well-being of our patients. The board and staff recognizes that we need to position ourselves to be a strong partner – a partner to patients, payers, other health care providers, hospitals, religious institutions and community social service agencies.

their health outcomes.

PrimaryOne Health in partnership with the ADAMH Board of Franklin County, NAMIFranklin County, Ohio Commission on Minority Health, Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), Cathedral of the Covenant (Bishop H. Eugene Bellinger) and First Church of God (Dr. Timothy J. Clarke) have worked with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop a Community and Faith Initiative focused on behavioral health issues specifically for faith leaders and their congregations in context with their spiritual doctrines. The organization has strategically developed alliances over the last five years with Maryhaven, Southeast, Syntero and CompDrug to provide mental health, alcohol and drug services (including Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction) to meet our patients where they are and to make our holistic health services available to them at one location.

PrimaryOne Health has developed a strong partnership with Berger Hospital (Circleville), The Ohio State Colleges of Medicine, Social Work, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Education and Human Ecology and others to provide services including physical/occupational therapy, pharmacy, dental, cardiology, gastroenterology and other specialty services for our patients.

In addition, these partnerships include health professional rotations, residencies and internships that are trained/precepted by our practitioners to We have over 38,000 diverse patients with more develop a health professional workforce pipeline than 35% who have a primary language spoken for our community health center and others. other than English. The patient mix also includes various religious and cultural communities We are continuing to collaborate with Mid-Ohio represented in the patient populations who call Foodbank, Urban Farms of Central Ohio, OSU PrimaryOne Health their medical home. In Extension and our Dietetic Interns to provide addition, the patient populations consist of food prescriptions, cooking demonstrations returning/restored citizens, homeless and food and fresh produce markets at our health care insecured and/or those who have employment, sites to help our patients with food insecurity, housing and education needs. This has amplified malnutrition, hypertension, diabetes and issues our responsibility to collaborate and build with obesity. Our Healthcare for the Homeless partnerships with other health, faith and social staff established our Recuperative/respite Care service organizations to address the myriad of Program with the Central Ohio Hospital Council, issues that impact the health and well-being of Van Buren Homeless Shelter and the Community our patients or the social determinants that drive Shelter Board to address hospital discharge, 5

aftercare and monitoring of our homeless residents to ensure their immediate health needs are addressed. In addition, our social workers including the Medicaid Technical Assistance and Policy Program1 (MEDTAPP) students are engaging them to address behavioral health, housing and other social service needs.

PrimaryOne Health has worked with our Certified Community Health Workers who are also trained as Community Connectors and Certified Application Counselors to enroll our patients in the Market Exchange, Medicaid and other programs to ensure continuity of care. They have also worked with our Settlement Houses, OhioMeansJobs (formerly COWIC), IMPACT Community Action, HOMEPORT and other service providers to link our patients with jobs, housing, education and training programs.

Our partnerships will continue to grow as we work to address the social determinants of those with barriers including residents who are restored citizens, economically challenged and/or who have cultural or language challenges. We value our existing partnerships and will extend them to meet our patients’ needs to improve their health and quality of life.

The Medicaid Technical Assistance and Policy Program (MEDTAPP) Healthcare Access Initiative (HCA) supports healthcare professional recruitment and retention through innovative teaching and training programs that focus on behavioral health, community health workers, interprofessional education, and community‐ based experiences to increase access to care for Medicaid and underserved populations.

1

Charleta B. Tavares is the Chief Executive Officer at PrimaryOne Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system providing comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health and specialty care at 11 locations in Central Ohio.

The mission is to provide access to services that improve the health status of families including people experiencing financial, social, or cultural barriers to health care. www.primaryonehealth. org.

The Columbus African Journal • February 2015 The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017

HEALTH

TAKING CARE OF ME: A FOCUS ON CARING FOR SELF

By Tim Anderson April is National Minority Health Month, when the medical community provides health screenings, educational seminars and promotes health awareness to ethnic and racial minority populations. As African Americans, we sadly lead all racial groups in the incidence of many chronic and infectious diseases; and comparatives with whites, our incidence of diseases and illnesses illustrates significant health disparities. We have all read and heard the statistics citing our poor health outcomes. Despite health policies’ shifts, health awareness’ promotional campaigns and Obamacare coverage there continues to be a broadening gap in our health outcomes. Nowhere in this nation do we see African Americans with health outcomes equal to or better than whites.

Even highly educated and wealthy African Americans’ health outcomes do not equal that of their white counterparts. In fact, in too many cases, highly educated African Americans rates for various diseases is higher than whites without a high school diploma.

Often , w e h ear that w e have a genetic predisposition for chronic diseases. But if this is the case, we would see Africans, who we share a common ancestry, have comparable rates of diseases similar to our on. Oddly that is not the case. Africans have among the lowest incidence of chronic diseases among the world’s population unless or until they relocate to the United States. Only then does their incidences for chronic diseases worsen, as their length in residency increases. The Somalian community in the United States is experiencing a near epidemic rates of diabetes, just as we have witnessed within our own community. A strong case can be made that our toxic environment combined with our unhealthy behavior and habits are a significant contributor to our overall poor health outcomes and widening health disparities.

Negative environmental forces such as poor water and air quality and a high concentration of chemicals and other pollutants has increased the threat of more serious illnesses. It has become a constant challenge to remain healthy, as our world becomes more and more toxic each day.

Our personal choices in living well have not kept pace with the ever-present forces from a toxic environment. Making us more vulnerable to diseases and illnesses. To combat this threat, we must move the needle in the direction of creating a healthier self. By changing our behavior by eating healthier, becoming more physically active and eliminating poor health behavior we can greatly improve our health.

Healing and protecting our bodies from diseases is a matter of self-care or “Taking Care of Me (TCM)”. The body has the remarkable ability to heal if we allow it to do so. A long-time cigarette smoker can drastically reduce his/her chances of developing cancers and other associated illnesses from smoking by no longer smoking. Reducing The Columbus African American • April 2017

body fat and improving lean muscle mass has shown to reverse type 2 diabetes and improve heart function. TCM focuses on three areas that addresses improved health outcomes; nutrition, lifestyle and medical intervention.

The American diet is high in unhealthy fats, sodium and sugar. Less than ten percent of our diet consist of fruits and vegetables. Arguably, our diet lacking in key nutrients is a significant factor in contributing to our poor health outcomes. By increasing our consumption of fruits and vegetables to fifty percent of our daily diet and eliminating unhealthy fats, reducing our intake of sodium and sugars; we then can virtually eliminate our risk to many chronic diseases and cancers. Here are some steps to consider in making those healthier nutritional changes: 1. Consume more vegetables, make a salad part of your daily diet.

2. Reduce your consumption of lean red meat to once a week. Eat more heart healthy fish and skinless poultry.

3. Eat only vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds all day once a week.

4. Reduce eating out to less than twice a month.

Many restaurants’ menu items are prepared with higher amounts of unhealthy fats, sodium and sugars. Stay away from the buffets!

5. Grow your own food, start a small vegetable garden. Growing food increases the level of nutrients that is often lacking in produce purchased in the grocery stores.

Researchers have identified a molecule in our body that protects us from diseases, however this molecule is diminished under stress conditions, poor diet and low exercise. The super molecule is called glutathione and when present, it has the remarkable ability in protecting us from diseases.

There are several ways to increase the production of glutathione which improves the body’s ability to protect and fight against diseases. They include: 1. Eating foods high in antioxidants increases the production of glutathione (berries, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and other orange vegetables, fish high in omega 3 fatty acid, beans are an excellent source for foods high in antioxidants).

2. Walk, moderate physical activity increases the production of glutathione.

3. Ten minutes of deep breathing exercise, three times a day, promotes healing at the cellular level.

4. Meditation helps in coping with stress, thereby reducing the depletion of glutathione.

Regular visits to our physicians is an important aspect to “Taking Care of Me”. We often avoid visits to the doctor because of fear; believing by not knowing what our bodies are signaling to us it will miraculously heal itself or the condition will just go away. Too many times this attitude has become a significant factor in advancing complications from diseases and/or preventable 6

deaths. Knowing our family’s health history and risk factors provide us with important information and a starting point for greater health awareness.

Practice the following health intervention towards improving your overall health: 1. Seek cancer screenings for breast, prostate and colon as recommended.

2. Notice any unexplained lumps, bumps and bruising to the skin and seek medical intervention.

3. Increase your “Health IQ” by attending health seminars, reading and discussing health information with your friends, family and healthcare provider.

4. If you smoke, stop!

5. Know you core health numbers for blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

Know what they mean.

Practicing TCM is an important focus towards living healthier. It involves changing behavior, habits and beliefs, that we have held that have contributed to our health disparities. Regardless of our current health status; eat healthier, become more physically active and visits to the doctor on a regular basis is good medicine. If we want to live well and long with a quality of life less dependent on medical treatment, then practice Taking Care of Me. During Minority Health Month, attend health education programs, discuss with your family members their health history, do more walking and most importantly enjoy life more abundantly.

Tim Anderson is an essayist and a contributing writer to the CAANJ and social media forums.

His writing focus is on health, healthcare and other social issues affecting the African American community. Tim is also the founder of In My Backyard Health and Wellness, providing health education and wellness activities to urban communities. To reach him directly, send your email to: timanderson@inmybackyardhope.com.

HEALTH

DISPARITIES IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY Every April the American Cancer Society and other organizations work together to raise awareness about cancer among minorities in honor of National Minority Health Month and National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, celebrated this year April 9-15.

Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally. Statistics show that some minority populations and people who lack health insurance are more likely to develop cancer – and die from it – than the general U.S. population. For those affected by this unequal burden of cancer, getting potentially lifesaving screening tests can be difficult, if not impossible.

About 189,910 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed among blacks in 2016.

According to the American Cancer Society Facts & Figures for African Americans, the most commonly diagnosed cancers among black men are prostate (31% of all cancers), lung (15%), and colon and rectum (9%). Among black women, the most common cancers are breast (32% of all cancers), lung (11%), and colon and rectum (9%).

African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the U.S. for most cancers. A continuous reduction in cancer death rates in blacks since the early 1990s has resulted in more than 300,000 cancer deaths averted over the past two decades.

Death rates have dropped faster during the most recent time in blacks than in whites for all cancers combined and for lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer (in women only). As a result, racial disparities for these cancers have narrowed.

In contrast, the racial disparity has widened for breast cancer in women and remained constant for colorectal cancer in men, likely due to inequalities in access to care, including screening and treatment.

The American Cancer Society is actively fighting cancer disparities by working to improve access to cancer screening and treatment, as well as quitsmoking programs. The American Cancer Society also funds new research to help understand barriers to health care and create strategies for overcoming them.

The choices you make about diet, exercise, and other habits can affect your overall health as well as your risk for developing cancer and other serious diseases. It’s also important to follow recommendations for cancer screening tests.

Screening tests are used to find cancer in people who have no symptoms. Screening gives you the best chance of finding cancer as early as possible – while it’s small and before it has spread.

Recommendations for ages 40 to 49: MEN Prostate Cancer Testing Starting at age 45, men at higher than average risk of prostate cancer should talk with a doctor about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of testing so they can decide if they want to be tested. This includes African-American men and men with close family members (father, brother, son) who had prostate cancer before age 65.

Men with more than one close relative who had prostate cancer before age 65 are at even higher risk and should talk with a doctor about testing starting at age 40.

WOMEN Breast Cancer Testing Report any changes in the way your breasts look or feel to a health care provider right away.

Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so. Starting at age 45, women should get mammograms every year.

Cervical Cancer Testing Get a Pap test and an HPV test done every 5 years (preferred approach) or get just a Pap test every 3 years. Follow testing recommendations even if you’ve been vaccinated against HPV. MEN AND WOMEN Colon Cancer Testing Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders, or other factors. If you are at increased risk, talk to a health care provider about when you need to start testing and what tests are right for you.

Recommendations for ages 50 to 64: MEN Prostate Cancer Testing Starting at age 50, all men at average risk should talk with a health care provider about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of testing so they can decide if they want to be tested.

WOMEN Breast Cancer Testing Report any changes in the way your breasts look or feel to a health care provider right away.

Women ages 50 to 54 should get mammograms

7

every year. Be sure you understand the pros and cons of breast cancer screening. Starting at age 55, you should switch to getting mammograms every 2 years, or you can continue to get one every year.

Cervical Cancer Testing Get a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years (preferred approach) or Pap test alone every 3 years.

No testing is needed after a hysterectomy that removed the uterus and cervix if it was done for reasons not related to cervical cancer.

MEN AND WOMEN Colon Cancer Testing All women at average risk should start testing at age 50. There are several testing options. Talk with a health care provider about which tests are best for you and how often testing should be done.

Lung Cancer Testing If you are age 55 or older, talk to a health care provider about your smoking history and whether you should get yearly low-dose CT scans to screen for early lung cancer. Screening may benefit if you are an active or former smoker (quit within the past 15 years), have no signs of lung cancer, and have a 30 pack-year smoking history. (A pack-year is 1 pack of cigarettes per day per year. One pack per day for 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years would both be 30 pack-years.) You should discuss the benefits, limitations, risks, and potential costs of screening with a health care provider before testing is done.

You also should find out how much the test will cost – not all health insurances cover it.

American Cancer Society Facts & Figures, 2016-2018 https://www.cancer.org/content/ dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-andstatistics/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-africanamericans/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-africanamericans-2016-2018.pdf

The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

NEED A CHECKUP?

By Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D As we look at our health in general, it is important that we do not ignore the state of our mental health. Let’s get rid of the idea that there is some “normal” setting that we are trying to present to the world.

People are messy and we all have our own issues to handle. Unfortunately, many people of color are very hesitant to reach out to the therapeutic community for help. Why is this so difficult?

Studies show that African-Americans rarely seek outside help when they are experiencing challenges which impact their psychological and emotional health. An article posted on “Mental Health America” (2013) indicates that while Blacks/African-Americans make up 13.2% of the United States population, approximately 16% of them had a diagnosable mental illness. This would mean that 1 ½ people out of every ten are dealing with symptoms of mental illness. Why is this number so high among African-Americans?

And, why are we not willing to help ourselves by getting treatment?

The facts are simple. First, no one wants to admit having personal problems. Many people are so focused on maintaining their ‘public persona’, they cannot risk anyone seeing them as weak or in need. Often, the idea of having someone “get in their business” is just too uncomfortable.

Even those who report that they would go to a member of the clergy for counseling, very few actually do. The second reason is no less

harmful: there are very few African-American treatment professionals available. Statistics indicate that less than 2% of the members of the American Psychological Association are Black or African-American. That makes many potential clients wary – they are worried that they will not be treated fairly, seen as not worth the effort, or stereotyped because of their race.

It is well-known that African-American males are over- represented in the prison population. I firmly believe that if some of these young men had reached out for help and improved their self-esteem, understood their self-worth and developed problem-solving skills, they would have made different choices. An additional factor that often complicates treatment is cost. I am so glad that the recent attempted changes to Obamacare did not happen, especially the plan to eliminate funding for mental health services.

That would definitely make it even more difficult for people of color who may consider seeking treatment.

So, how do you know if you should get a mental health check-up? If you are experiencing significant changes to your daily routine, such as dreading going to work, losing interest in activities or motivation to take care of yourself, definitely talk with your physician. They can rule out any physical cause for the symptoms and provide a referral to a psychologist or counselor.

Some of the symptoms of anxiety include feeling irritable, changes in appetite or sleep, a desire to avoid specific people or situations, or excessive worry. Clinical depression is more that feeling sad. It is a whole body illness that impacts your moods, thoughts, and behavior. There are many factors which contribute to depression,

which often include sad, ‘empty’ mood, weight changes, excessive crying, feelings of guilt/ worthlessness and difficulty concentrating. It is especially important that people realize that while anxiety and depression are seen as common and affecting everyone, these are significant issues.

They cannot be handled by changing jobs or going on vacation. The good news is that they are treatable, if you reach out for help. So, take some time and check your mood, attitudes. Are you under more stress than usual? Stress comes from positive experiences as well as challenging ones.

Could you benefit from some outside support?

It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it’s being responsible. Don’t ignore this aspect of your overall health.

Dr. Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons’ office is located in north Columbus. Her practice centers on helping clients with depression and anxiety related disorders. In recent years, after discovering a love of running, she expanded her practice to include services related to Sports Psychology for athletes of all ages and levels. To reach her, call 614-443-7040 or email her at Jacqui@ DrLewisLyons.com

THE CULTURE OF LOUD MUSIC AND HEARING LOSS

By Florence Ogola Speak up you youthful being, say something to your friends. Tell them to stop killing their ears.

These are just words, ear saving words, but they are just words. Saying them does not make you old! The complexity of how the human brain chooses pleasure over safety and good heath is intriguing. Every racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns due to factors such as genetics, environmental factors, access to care and cultural factors and loud music is definitely part of the youth culture. Your culture which is the pattern of thoughts, ideas, traditions, customs and behaviors that you share with the people in your circle as a way of life, can greatly influence your health. While the fight to change social status is an uphill climb, making small adjustments and better choices in our daily habits can go a long way in ensuring a healthy life.

Turn down the volume, save the eardrums!

Summer is around the corner, participating or encountering concerts, cars and restless youths blasting loud music that dismantles and reassembles the cranial jig saw puzzle will be almost inevitable. The famous saying goes “if it’s too loud you are too old,” but as you walk on the feeble straw of youth listening to music so

loud that the people you drive past are rattled and left feeling like their internal organs have been displaced, it is important to learn how the choices made today can impact tomorrow.

Repetitive and continuous long term exposure of the precious vestibules to loud noises is one of the main causes of hearing loss. There are different kinds of loud noises that can cause serious harm to the ears and they range from occupational noises to loud music in our cars.

The Columbus African American •News AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015

8

Yes, loud music is fire that warms the spirit of youth, but fire, if not kept under control is known to burn and sometimes, the losses are permanent!

What exactly is hearing loss?

The risk of damage to your hearing when listening to music depends on how loud the music is, how close you are to the source e.g. Speakers, how long and how often you are exposed to Continued on Page 9

HEALTH Continued from Page 8

loud music, headphone use and family history of hearing loss. Some examples of occupations or activities that increase your chance of hearing loss include being a musician, a sound crew member, a recording engineer, working at a night club, attending concerts or using portable music devices with headphones or ear buds. Children who play in school bands can also be exposed to high decibel sounds, depending on which instruments they sit near or play.

Hearing loss can occur due to various causes some of which can be successfully treated with medicine or surgery. Treatment options depend on the disease process. There are three types of hearing loss. The first type is Conductive hearing loss, this is when hearing loss is due to problems with the ear canal, ear drum, or middle ear and its little bones. The second type is sensorineural hearing loss, this occurs when hearing loss is due to problems of the inner ear, also known as nerverelated hearing loss. Sometimes an individual can have a combination of both conductive and sensory sensorineural problem and this is referred

to as mixed hearing loss.

Sudden hearing loss produced by a sudden and very loud noise (blast injury) is called acute acoustic trauma. If the sound is loud enough, it can cause the eardrum to rupture or the person to have a complete loss of hearing. Sometimes, particularly if the sudden loss is total and occurs combined with dizziness, then it’s advised that you seek medical attention immediately. If it is brief, the noise may cause a reversible, temporary hearing loss. A good example is the dullness and ringing that one experiences for several hours after exposure to loud sound like a music concert.

If the noise is loud enough and the duration of exposure long enough however, it may cause permanent damage. This condition is called noise-induced hearing loss, which currently has no cure and is irreversible.

What you can do.

While hearing loss can happen to anyone, there are measures you can take to lower your risk loss.

Loving your body means not intentionally exposing it to things that can harm it. Turn down the bass, blast and treble of that hip-hop beat!

Talk to your doctor about earwax buildup or if you feel that something is not right with your ears. Get any infections treated as soon as possible. Do not wait until it’s too late.

Invest in earplugs if you are continuously exposed to loud noises or blasts they do not cost much and serve a very important job, protecting your ears!

Clean your outer ear gently without inserting objects deep into your ear, these could rapture your ears drums. Remember, leave the ear wax in your ear canal it has a purpose to protect the ear canal skin, assists in cleaning and lubrication and provides protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water.

Keep an eye on young children who are more likely to put things into their ears oh have ear infection Keep your earphones clean with moderate to low volume and remember that prevention is always better than cure.

Florence Ogloa is a Research Associate with The Columbus African American. Born in Kenya, she is a graduate of the University of Nairobi and plans to enroll at Capital University to become a psychiatric nurse.

WHY ARE BLACK FOLKS SO HAPPY?

By William McCoy, MPA Given the collective historical and contemporary experience of Black Americans- coupled with the physical and mental health consequences of Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder, racism, discrimination, stress, and other factors- African-Americans should be angry, anxious, and in a state of perpetual despondency.

Paradoxically, this is not the case.

World Happiness Day was observed on March 20, 2017. On that day, the United Nations released its World Happiness Report 2017.

This report ranked 150 countries on how happy their people are, using a variety of indicatorse.g. caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income, and good governance. Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland emerged as the happiest countries in 2016, based on these and other factors. The United States ranked 19th on the list! America’s ranking has steadily declined since 2007, when it ranked third on the list (Helliwell, Laylard, and Sachs, 2017).

The World Happiness Report 2017 does not tell the whole story, however. A September 2015 article in The Atlantic proclaimed, “As White Americans give up on the American Dream, Blacks and Hispanics embrace it.” Russell Berman’s article referenced a poll that revealed “(over four of five) White Americans. . . have all but given up on the American Dream.”

This article also said, “less than half of White respondents said America’s ‘best days’ were ahead of it” (Berman, September 2015). This feeling of hopelessness, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness among White people helped propel Donald Trump to victory during the 2016 presidential election.

By contrast, more than two of five AfricanAmericans felt the American Dream was achievable, while twice that number (80%) said America’s best days were still ahead (Berman, September 2015). Carol Graham posted a blog on the Brookings website entitled, “The surprising optimism of Black Americans” (September 25, 2015). In her article, Graham references a Gallup Poll that concluded, “Black Americans are by far the most optimistic racial group. Most optimistic of all poor groups are Blacks in poverty. Poor Blacks are in fact more optimistic about the future than the sample as a whole. . . poor Whites are by far the least optimistic group.” There you have it: African-Americans, including poor Black people, are more optimistic about the future, American Dream, and their lot in life than any other racial group in the United States.

Considering the lasting and ongoing effects of slavery and Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder, Jim Crow, racism, discrimination, and stress, Black people should be out of their minds with anger, hate, and despair. Instead, the opposite is true: African-Americans are among the happiest and most optimistic people in the country. “Reading the news, it’s almost shocking,” Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University, said about the poll (Graham, 2015).

All of this begs the question: “Why are Black people so happy and optimistic?”

Graham believes the “Obama Effect” may have something to do with it. She says, “a Black president may be raising Black hopes” (September 2015). This does not fully explain Black hopefulness, however. African-Americans remained hopeful during the Great Recession (2005), “when Whites as a group lost 15% of their net worth, compared to 43% for Blacks,” according to an Associated Press article entitled, “Blacks, Hispanics more hopeful than Whites” (Yen and Agiesta, August 2013). Blacks were

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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optimistic about the future long before Barack Obama ascended to the presidency.

African-Americans have a strong sense of community that helps them cope with adversity.

Black people, in general, are keenly aware of the collective progress that has been made since their ancestors arrived in this country and were subjected to chattel slavery. The struggles for freedom, civil rights, political and social justice, and economic opportunity were all fueled by an undying flame of hope. The transition from property to the presidency has happened.

African-Americans, as a group, tend to believe be in a God or higher power that has “brought them a mighty long way.” Or, maybe, Black people are blessed with a DNA and psychological makeup that allows them to laugh when others cry, celebrate when others contemplate suicide, and find hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

African-Americans are strong, resilient people who have “come this far by faith.”

While I cannot say why African-Americans are happier and more optimistic than other races, I do know that when life happens, many Black people (like Kirk Franklin) simply say, “I Smile.”

William McCoy is founder and principal consultant of The McCoy Company- a worldclass personal services consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, economic development, and training. The McCoy Company helps clients articulate and achieve their visions, solve problems, and capitalize on their opportunities. Mr. McCoy serves all levels of government, foundations, nonprofits, and private enterprise. He also works on issues related to race, gender, power dynamics, and other topics.

Mr. McCoy holds BA and MPA degrees, has authored over 70 publications, and is profiled in Who’s Who in the World. William McCoy can be reached at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com.

The Columbus African American • April 2017

HEALTH

CLOTILDE BOWEN: FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN GRADUATE OF OSU MEDICAL SCHOOL employment with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, in Chicago, Illinois, Chief of Psychiatry at the V.A. in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and at the V.A. in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She also worked on numerous other assignments in several states as an independent physician. Dr. Bowen retired from military service in 1996 and formally retired from medical practice in 2008.

By Rodney Q. Blount, M.A. April is often remembered for its springtime weather, Easter, and in my family several birthdays! April also commemorates Minority Health Month.

Minority health has been on the forefront of my mind this past year as I have witnessed several health related illnesses and even death among close family members, friends, and even myself.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, flu, pneumonia, heart disease, and cancer are among the complications that have affected several people that I know and I am sure most of the readers of this article as well. Minority Health Month is particularly important because it addresses several diseases and complications that impact minority communities as well as preventative measures. Our medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are at the forefront of health and wellness in our communities. Ohio State University is one of the nation’s top producers and employers of many in the medical field. The first African American woman to graduate from Ohio State University’s School of Medicine was Clotilde Bowen. Dr. Bowen’s intelligence and professionalism allowed her to have a successful career and a great life.

Dr. Clotilde Dent Bowen was born on March 20, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the second of three children born to William Marion and Clotilde (Tynes) Dent. Bowen moved to Columbus, Ohio, at the age of three on Army Post by her maternal aunt, Maude (Tynes) Barrows and uncle 1st Lt. Stephen Barrows, (USA), a Buffalo Soldier. She matriculated

through Columbus public schools and graduated from East High School. Bowen attended and received an undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University in three years in 1943. She was accepted into Ohio State’s medical school in January 1944 and graduated in 1947, the first African American woman to graduate from the OSU’s College of Medicine and 33 years after the college was established.

Upon graduation, Dr. Bowen moved to New York City, completed her residency, and opened a private practice in Harlem as a Pulmonologist.

Dr. Bowen also worked in three major hospitals in New York City, including Triboro Hospital and Harlem Hospital. Bowen’s residency was in internal medicine, and she developed an interest in the treatment of tuberculosis. Thereafter, Dr. Bowen joined and became the first woman doctor in the United States Army in 1955, accepting her commission as a Captain. Captain Bowen was initially stationed at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where she served as pulmonary specialist. She also worked for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Rosenberg, Oregon, as an Internist and as a resident in the Psychiatry unit through the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Albany, New York.

Shortly after moving back to Oregon, she learned of the untimely death of the first young man from Oregon to be killed in the Navy during the Vietnam War, following only three weeks duty.

Consequently, she returned to military service as a Psychiatrist where she served at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, as Director of CHAMPUS, Chief of Psychiatry, and Chief of the Out-Patient Clinic. From 1970-1971, Colonel Bowen was sent to Vietnam as the NeuroPsychiatric Physician for the entire United States Army, receiving the Bronze Star and American Legion of Merit for her work to set up drug treatment centers and to lessen racial conflicts during the Vietnam War. She was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1974. She was the first woman commander of any military hospital when she was assigned to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also accepted

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Dr. Bowen’s life calling was to help others. She was an advocate to issues related to drug-alcohol and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness.

She was granted medical licenses in Ohio, New York, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Dr. Bowen was an active member of the American Psychiatric Association and she established their program on Emergency Psychiatry. Among the awards she received she was a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the Central Neuro-Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine and the U.C.C.F. Eminent Scholar Award. In 1972, she was given the Denver Business and Professional Woman of the Year Award. In 20002001 she wrote a monthly column in the Denver Post newspaper. She was also a well-known public speaker and held staff teaching positions at the University of Wyoming (Laramie) and the Colorado School of Medicine.

Dr. Clotilde Bowen lived her life to the fullest and rarely slept more than 3-4 hours. She departed from this life on March 3, 2011.

She was in preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William Nolan Bowen. The Ohio State University’s School of Medicine annually holds the Clotilde D. Bowen, MD, Diversity Lecture Series in her honor and in 2012, they set up a need-based scholarship in her honor. Dr. Bowen’s biography is so extensive that a book could (and should) be written on her. Unfortunately, I will never get a chance to meet Dr. Bowen, but her legacy continues through the programs that she developed and the lives she touched. I encourage each reader to support her or similar scholarship funds that encourage minorities to enter into health related fields. We may not have the same knowledge and skillset as she did, but we should help support our future generations because we may be helping the next Dr. Clotilde Bowen!

Works Cited Women Doctors in War www.legacy.com/obituaries medicine.osu.edu Rodney Blount is an Educator and Historian. He received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Ball State University and a Masters of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. His work has been featured in several publications. Roderick is a native of Columbus, Ohio and is a member of several organizations.

HEALTH

Healthier lives begin with volunteering Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County seeks more community members to help abused and neglected kids.

By Shelley Backs How do you feel after you volunteer/ empowered?

Accomplished? Satisfied? The effects that volunteering has on an individual’s life are significant and range from lower stress levels to a greater sense of purpose. But how about when you volunteer to help an abused and neglected child in need of guidance, trust, and support?

Every day in Franklin County, a child is left broken and with a great sense of fear and sadness because they have been hurt by the ones they love. In 2016, over 2,700 children found themselves in situations due to no fault of their own. They are physically, emotionally, and sexually abused and neglected. Child abuse and neglect is an epidemic, and luckily our community has an organization to help using volunteer efforts.

CASA of Franklin County is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide a powerful and consistent voice in court for child victims of abuse and neglect. CASA recruits and trains community members to become volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GAL) for these child victims. A Guardian ad Litem is a trained and committed volunteer who is a sworn officer of the court and who advocates for the best interests of children. They give a child a voice by monitoring the case and guaranteeing the child’s wishes are a priority in an overburdened legal and child welfare system.

“The stories you hear on the news are often times CASA cases,” said Kathy Kerr, Executive Director of CASA. “We can’t, unfortunately, take all of the cases so we take the most severe. It is imperative that a child has a voice and we provide that and the consistency that is imperative for a child’s success.” Last year, CASA served 826 abused and neglected children thanks to its 243 volunteer GALs. CASA is always in need of passionate volunteers to give a voice to those most vulnerable as they work their way through a large and frightening system. “Our GALs focus only on the child’s best interests,” said Beverly Robinson, Director of Volunteer Management.

“Volunteers come from all walks of life—they do not need to be lawyers or social workers.

Our children most often come from diverse backgrounds and are equally male and female, so having a diverse population of volunteers who can genuinely empathize with these children is invaluable.”

Diversity within CASA’s volunteer corps is pivotal to the organization’s program as it allows for better representation of the children it serves. “You never know the adult that a child is going to trust and listen to,” Robinson said. “We want to ensure that we are armed with the strongest backgrounds of volunteers so that the children never feel a lack in their sense of security.”

CASA’s volunteer role is extra special as it leaves the volunteer with a sense of hope and determination -the hope that they will change a child’s life for the better and the determination to ensure that the safety and security of a child is realized. When a volunteer becomes a CASA GAL, they give selflessly of themselves. Yet when you ask a CASA GAL about their experience, most answer by saying something like this: “To impact a child’s life is to impact our future.”

“When I can give one child hope, I’ve changed their world.”

“No other volunteer opportunity lets me make this kind of impact.”

“I couldn’t sit by when I knew I could help.”

CASA trains its volunteers and provides them with the requisite knowledge and skills needed. This includes training in the legal system, case/project management, interviewing and analysis, cultural awareness, investigation, effective communication, child and family development, conflict management, and mental health and substance abuse awareness.

Once assigned to a case, a GAL visits the children at least monthly, often in a foster home, and talks with teachers, doctors, and others close to the child. A GAL then reports their findings to CASA and serves firsthand voice in court to answer questions and make factbased recommendations regarding the children’s best interests. “Many of these children have suffered from horrific abuse and neglect,” Robinson said. “Obviously, learning to trust adults is an issue, and having an older, nurturing adult on their side is critical to their sense of well-being until their nightmare is over.” A CASA volunteer is often the only consistent, caring adult involved from the beginning of a case to the end.

Research shows that children who experience the positive CASA GAL relationship are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to get into trouble, abuse illegal substances, or commit child abuse or family violence as adults.

“We give them hope, encouragement, and a chance to grow up all while enriching the lives of our volunteers,” Robinson said.

An average of five to eight hours a month will change the life of a neglected and abused child and will certainly enrich yours. To learn more, please visit www.casacolumbus.org or contact Beverly Robinson at 614-525-4883. Our next training class begins on May 8, 2017. Male and female volunteers are needed. A child is waiting.

Beverly Robinson

Do you want to enrich your life & help a child?

Will you help an innocent child victim of abuse and neglect?

5-8 hours a month will give these children a chance in life.

Join us for our next training class beginning May 8, 2017! http://www.casacolumbus.org/volunteer/

*Learn more* www.casacolumbus.org* 614-525-7450* 11

The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

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April is Minority Health Month PrimaryOne Health is proud to have a 54% minority workforce. We work tirelessly to employ committed, caring and well-equipped providers and staff that mirror the communities that we serve.

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The Columbus African American •News AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015

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The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

Coming Soon!

King-Lincoln Medical Center & Pharmacy 750 E. Long St., Suite 3000 Columbus, OH 43203

We Start by Listening.

We offer an accepting and welcoming healthcare experience for everyone.

EVAN T. ROBINSON, MSW Clinic Manager

BETH WEINSTOCK, MD Doctor

HEATHER CROCKETTMILLER, DDS, MPH Director of Dental Services

JESSICA SHERMAN, RN, CNP Nurse Practitioner

PHIL PAUVLINCH, PHARMD, RPH Pharmacy Manager

We are excited to announce that medical, pharmacy and dental services will be available in late April 2017 at our new location in the King-Lincoln District. Call us at (614) 340-6777 to join our new patient list or visit our website to sign-up, equitashealth.com/king-lincoln.

Medical

Pharmacy

Wellness & Prevention

Behavioral Health

Supportive Services

Dentistry

EquitasHealth.com The Columbus African American • April 2017

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

KING-LINCOLN HEALTH NEEDS BEING MET WITH NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER As National Minority Health Month officially kicks off, Equitas Health is busy preparing for the opening of its newest community health center in the historic King-Lincoln District.

The launch of this new community resource is in line with this year’s theme, “bridge health equity across communities.” Since expanding our mission to “care for all” last year, we’ve been exploring where community resources are needed most and where our person-centered medical home approach to care can make the biggest difference. After extensive research, the King-Lincoln neighborhood was identified as an area of significant need.

The King-Lincoln District and surrounding community meets the federal government’s criteria as a medically underserved area, meaning it’s an area where there are not enough medical providers to meet the health needs of the community. Addressing these needs, paired with the health disparities that people of color face, including high rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, will be key goals of the King-Lincoln Medical Center. We also bring to the community our long history of reducing stigma, barriers, and disenfranchisement as we provide culturally competent and compassionate care.

Our approach to bridging health equity across communities is through our person-centered medical home or integrated model of care.

This model is best described as a philosophy of primary care that is person-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety. It encourages providers to meet people where they are. It is a place where people are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and enable strong and trusting relationships with providers and staff. Above all, it’s about achieving primary care excellence so that care is received in the right place, at the right time, and in a way that best suits the individualized needs of a person.

At Equitas Health, the implementation of the person-centered medical home includes offering a broad spectrum of programs and services to meet the unique needs of our patients. In addition to primary care we also offer chronic disease management, sexual health, HIV specialty care,

trans health, women’s health, and behavioral health. For added convenience, we operate fullservice pharmacies at all of our medical centers.

Our pharmacy services are part of our integrated care model with our pharmacists working closely with our medical staff. Pharmacy services include private medication counseling, refill reminders and a higher level of customer service. In addition, these pharmacies help fund our work across Ohio by providing an earned income revenue stream which provides an easy way for individuals to help support our health and social services.

We also continue to offer specialized HIV medical care and supportive services that have been our legacy for more than 33 years which include health navigation, housing, and emergency financial assistance. Our HIV care services are demonstrating incredible outcomes, HIV suppression rates are 87% for Equitas Health HIVpositive patients compared to a national average of 30%, which is directly attributed to the success of our integrated care model.

The opening of our King-Lincoln Medical Center will expand our spectrum of services in the Columbus area to also include dental care. Dr. Heather Crockett-Miller and Dental Assistant, Tich White, will provide an array of dental services including preventive and restorative care to both adults and children.

Since expanding our services last year we’re starting to see the success of our person-centered care grow. Our patient satisfaction surveys show our patients feel welcomed and we are meeting the community’s healthcare needs. We’re looking forward to becoming a trusted source for care in the King-Lincoln district. We’re happy to provide these services to anyone, regardless of insurance type or ability to pay. All of our health services are offered on a sliding fee scale.

During this year’s Minority Health Month, we’re proud to be at the forefront of bridging health equity across communities in Ohio. We’re working to provide a cost-effective, accessible, equitable, higher-quality healthcare system that we know

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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is possible. To get connected to our care and services, including making an online appointment request, visit equitashealth.com or call (614) 3406777. We hope you’ll join us at our community open house on Saturday, May 6 from Noon – 3 for an opportunity to meet our providers and tour your new community health center. The Equitas Health Medical Center & Pharmacy will be located in the King-Lincoln Gateway Building at 750 E. Long St. MORE ABOUT EQUITAS HEALTH Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio) is a regional not-for-profit communitybased healthcare system founded in 1984. With 15 offices in 11 cities, it serves more than 67,000 individuals in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through its diverse healthcare and social service delivery system focused around: primary and specialized medical care, dental, behavioral health, HIV/STI prevention, advocacy, and community health initiatives.

The Columbus African American • April 2017

HEALTH

SPRING CLEAN YOUR HEALTH

By Lisa Benton, MD, MPH In the supermarket the other day in I saw a health educator or nutrition specialist educating a group of seniors about making better eating choices. She was showing them how to pick low salt and low fat meats and fish rather than pickled and overprocessed ones.

She took time to explain the importance of portion sizes and the hidden amounts of salt that are in frozen and pre-prepared foods. The amounts of salt in those products can mean you are trading convenience for a normal blood pressure and clogging your arteries in the bargain.

She kept it interesting by challenging people to select the most colorful vegetables and fruits and the right portion size for a piece of chicken or fish. It is about the size of the palm of your hand.

Did you know that education about how to prepare and eat healthy foods was a wellness benefit in a lot of health plans or that organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and American Cancer Society may offer this service either free or at a low cost? If you search the terms “calorie counter” and “diet” in your app store, there are also many free and low cost phone apps that can walk you through making better eating choices and getting back in shape too.

Keeping people fit and healthy is big business for everyone. Doctors, health care providers, employers want you healthy for longevity and productivity and keeping the long-term costs of being sick down. Others have less altruistic financial reasons. Sure, the manufacturers of weight loss products and diet shortcuts even have an interest in you trying to lose weight, failing but then trying to lose weight with another shortcut again, and yet again, and yet again. They’re counting on you not choosing to do the work of staying healthy and fit.

For me, again I am participating in my church group’s 40-day healthy eating challenge from Lent to Easter and am amazed at how much sugar, corn syrup and additives have crept into my diet over the year since the last challenge.

Conscientiously choosing to eat better over these days means I’m spring cleaning my body and my health.

For our healthy eating challenge, we drink more water and up our intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. When you cut out the processed sugar, fried and junk food from your diet, you’ll start to feel the difference in 2-3 days! You’ll see improvements and brighter skin by about days 7-10! The news about how good that is for you just keeps on coming.

Research coming out almost daily speaks to how reducing stress and anxiety, increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, certain spices, water, exercising and not smoking or having prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke keeps your DNA

from aging and getting damaged by free radicals that makes you sick and shortens your life.

Now more than ever before there is evidence that your diet, amount of exercise and enough sleep can impact your DNA in as little as 3-4 weeks so you can at least have a fighting chance when it comes to diseases and health problems that “run in your family”. Living right strengthens and preserves the length of your telomeres, the protective caps on strands of DNA helping it and you to last longer.

Do you recall the study decades ago showing that twins at risk of alcoholism, mental illness and other conditions raised in different environments did not always develop the diseases as expected?

For over a century the potential for different outcomes in twin studies was groundbreaking.

It alerted us to the fact you are a product of where you live and grow up in addition to what you eat and drink. This should be strong motivation for you to advocate for healthy and safe neighborhoods with clean, air and water.

There is also more news about the increased benefits of approaching weight-loss from the angle of trying to get your whole life—spiritual, physical, and mental health in shape.

Along those lines, research supports that getting back to the simple way of living, eating and doing everyday activities makes more sense.

For example, regular walking can help you lose weight just as reliably, if you aren’t able to run, dance or afford working out in a fitness center with all the bells and whistles.

Some simple, inexpensive dietary substitutions can get you started. For example eating a banana twice a day helps curb your sugar craving and reduce bloating by working on gut bacteria.

Eating an orange or oranges is better than drinking some processed orange juices since it gives you all the antioxidants and vitamins without the extra sugar. Curcumin which is found in Tumeric is the spice du jour since it is loaded with antioxidants and seems to help reduce

The Columbus African American •News AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015

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inflammation, improve blood flow and help your digestion. Tumeric can be added to just about any food you’re preparing.

One of my favorite examples of you are what, where and when you eat is when you consider how rich real Italian cuisine (not Olive Garden or Pizza Hut) is, but realize that the food is prepared with the most wholesome ingredients and consumed in moderation.

When I traveled in Italy, people walked to the market almost daily to get fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, olive oil, spices and vegetables. They took their time, walked a lot and made cooking and eating the meal a social regular activity. That meant people took longer to eat, focused on being full and ate smaller quantities of food compared to eating meals while watching television or multitasking which often leads to eating more.

It reminded me of those Sunday dinners you had growing up where the fellowship was just as important, if not more so than the food.

So go give your elders a big hug, ‘Hi five” and “thank you” for all the meals they prepared and shared. Be sure to sit in their kitchens while they get dinner ready, take a cup of their wisdom and stir the pot.

Learn A Little More…

Insights From Identical Twins: Learn Genetics http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/ twins/ The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer by Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel Teloyears https://www.teloyears.com/home/index.html Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH (The Doctor is In) breastsurgeonlb@gmail.com, Twitter:@DctrLisa (415) 746-0627

HEALTH

THE UNEVEN ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD IN FRANKLIN COUNTY OHIO AND ITS DISPARATE IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF LOW-INCOME AFRICAN AMERICANS

By Dr. Kareem M. Usher and Dr. Jason Reece Food access, food security and healthy eating are critical to supporting a healthy life. Research clearly has demonstrated the link between diet and a number of health challenges.

Communities with severe disparities in chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease are more likely to be communities, which have barriers to affordable healthy food options. Cost and physical access are the two predominant barriers to food security and health food options in America. More than 43 million Americans are food insecure, and Ohio has the sixth highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, with more than 16% of Ohioans impacted by food insecurity.

Masked within these broader statewide figures are sharp disparities in food insecurity and food access along the lines of race and geography within our state and within the Columbus community. According to research conducted by Feeding America nearly 17% of Franklin County residents are food insecure, with nearly 1 in 2 African Americans in Franklin County living at under 200% of the poverty rate, we know food insecurity is steepest in the African American community.

Compounding this challenge is the lack of healthy food options (such as grocery stores and farmers markets) in many communities of color in Franklin County. The USDA has identified several low access “food deserts” in the Columbus community, in places like the Near Side, South Linden and Milo Grogan, Franklinton and the South Side. These areas are also more likely to be “food swamps” places saturated with less healthy food options (such as fast food) and convenience stores, which have limited healthy options and higher prices. Transportation barriers in low-income communities of color exacerbate this access challenge, leaving residents with few accessible, affordable and healthy options.

The disparities in healthy food access did not evolve naturally, but are the result of many racialized policies which discriminated against African American communities. For example, redlining policies emerging in the 1930’s, created significant barriers to credit and investment in African American communities, urban renewal programs in the mid-20th century further hastened the decline in these neighborhoods, and the development suburban communities through federal housing and highway policies eviscerated central-city neighborhoods by incentivizing the departure of self-service supermarkets to suburban areas where land was cheaper. As investment and people fled these neighborhoods, so did food providers and as larger grocery stores became the norm in America, these large food providers avoided most urban communities of color.

Photo By Elvis Batiz/Flickr

The historical Bronzeville or King Lincoln neighbor hood pr esents a c ase study of this history. Redlined in the 1930’s the once prosperous community experienced disinvestment throughout the latter half of 20th century. The construction of I-71 accelerated the neighborhoods decline, while urban renewal programs destabilized the community. As residents fled many of the local businesses, which supported the neighborhood lost their customer base. These racialized policies set the stage for the challenges we see today in neighborhoods like King-Lincoln and other similar urban communities across our city.

Historical policies have shaped many of the barriers to affordable healthy food access in communities of color, policy approaches will be critical to remedying this challenge.

A combination of improvements in access, transportation and income, will be critical to addressing this complex challenge. Programs such as the United Way of Central Ohio’s healthy corner store initiatives (which support affordable healthy food options in corner stores), the growth of locally led community gardens, expansion of farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits, healthy school lunch programs options (such as farm to school) and public transportation improvements (similar to those supported by the Columbus Smart City initiative) are needed to support food security and healthy eating in our community. Community based economic development efforts are also necessary to reestablish healthy food retail providers in underserved communities. Columbus is fortunate to have many of these interventions starting to take hold in our community.

While these interventions are critical, we must also recognize economic empowerment is the fundamental goal that will fully remedy the food security and health food access challenges in our community. The disparate impact of the 2008 recession has produced declining wages for African American workers and heightening

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

17

financial barriers to healthy food access. Fewer African American workers are earning a living wage today than were in 2000. Similar trends are apparent in housing need, with the proportion of African American households who are “cost burdened” by housing rising substantially since the 2008 recession. Surveys on food access in Columbus by Ohio State University’s Professor Michelle Kaiser found up to 1/3rd of residents in several urban zip codes had to choose between sacrificing food purchases to pay rent or their mortgage. These economic barriers are a profound challenge for improving healthy food access. The relationship between housing cost and food access is profound.

We must think more broadly on how we address food insecurity and healthy food access to support healthy outcomes for our community.

Efforts such as expanding education and skills for workers, minority business development and living wages are just as critical to healthy eating as local gardens and new retail food options.

Through a collective effort, we can solve the food access challenge, and for the future of our community we must work together across communities and sectors to achieve this goal.

Dr. Usher is an Assistant Professor in the City and Regional Planning Section of the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture. His teaching and research interests focus on urban food systems and he engages this topic at the intersectionality of food access, social justice, regional governance and community economic development.

Dr. Reece is an assistant professor, in the City & Regional Planning Program, at the Knowlton School of Architecture and former associate director for the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity. His research, teaching and professional experience focuses on social equity in city planning, fair housing, health equity and asset-based community development.

The Columbus African American • April 2017

HEALTH

PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS EMBEDDED IN OUR OHIO COMMUNITIES

By Dr. Iris E. Harvey Good health is a person’s greatest asset and access to high-quality, affordable health care is a basic right. For one hundred years, Planned Parenthood has pursued a vision: “To create a world where sexual and reproductive rights are basic human rights, where access to health care does not depend upon who you are, and where every woman has the opportunity to choose her own path to a healthy and meaningful life.”

In Ohio, Planned Parenthood operates 27 health centers across the state. We serve over 81,000 patients and accommodate over 150,000 patient visits. Our primary goal is to make family planning services available and affordable for low-income and medically underserved communities. Our health centers provide the widest range of birth control options; we do consultation about birth control, conduct cervical and breast cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, and offer fact-based, medically accurate sexual education.

women. For more than 20 years in Ohio, Planned Parenthood has provided life-saving pap tests, breast exams, colposcopies, and cervical biopsies free of charge to eligible patients—in particular, low-income women over the age of 40 who are at risk for cancer but are not eligible for Medicaid.

For two decades, Planned Parenthood has operated its Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative as part of the Ohio Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative, which is a neighborhood outreach program that assists African American women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Participating mothers generally do not have transportation for prenatal appointments, do not have health insurance, and may engage in high-risk activities. Planned Parenthood trained and certified health care professionals reach these women with home visits and provide them with case management and care coordination services, including education and assistance with health, housing, nutrition, and employment.

One-third of our patients are people of color, more than 40% of them are low-income, and many live in communities classified by the Federal Government as Medically Underserved Areas. At Planned Parenthood, we accept most insurance plans, including Medical Mutual of Ohio and UnitedHealthcare, but we also accept patients who rely on Medicaid insurance. Our goal is to ensure that women, men, and young people have access to high-quality, respectful health care regardless of whether they can pay.

Thus, Planned Parenthood offers many services at little or no cost to our patients, ensuring that thousands of Ohioans who would otherwise lack Through the Violence Against Women Act’s access to health care receive the medical attention Sexual Violence Prevention Program, Planned Parenthood, for more than a decade, provided they need and deserve. training to middle and high school students in And unlike many providers in Ohio, we four Ohio counties on healthy relationships, offer care six days per week, on evenings and bullying and sexual assault recognition, and weekends, with bilingual services, and without bystander intervention skills. substantial wait times. We have the convenience of a customer contact center with live trained Through the STI Prevention Program, we provide operators who can answer questions and schedule diagnostic tests and treatments for certain STIs to appointments. For those who prefer self-serve ensure that communicable infections are detected options, we have an online appointment portal early and managed effectively. We provide more that patients can access at any time. This than 70,000 free STI tests to low-income Ohioans portal allows patients to connect with their annually. We also provide free medications to doctors through a convenient, safe, and secure patients who test positive. environment.

In fact, we are a very efficient and effective health Planned Parenthood, through our network of care delivery system—more than half of all STI health centers, is a critical part of the health tests administered in Ohio under such programs safety net in Ohio and we partner with the U.S. are provided by Planned Parenthood health Department of Health and Human Services, centers. the Ohio Department of Health, and numerous county public health departments across the state. Planned Parenthood is a proud participant in In this context, Planned Parenthood delivers a the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative and the HIV variety of health and education programs through Prevention Program. These programs were established by the federal government to provide various and diverse outlets.

HIV testing to, and improve health outcomes in, Through the Breast and Cervical Cancer communities disproportionately affected by HIV. Prevention Program (BCCPP), Planned Through creative and popular solutions such Parenthood administers cancer screening and as mobile HIV testing at bars and community follow-up services for low-income and minority events, we are able to provide confidential HIV The Columbus African American •News AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015

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tests and referrals for treatment to thousands of low-income Ohioans and Ohioans of color— populations that are otherwise difficult for health care providers to reach. In fact, Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of HIV testing and treatment in Cleveland, Akron, and Canton, and has provided testing to communities that otherwise have nowhere else to go.

Through the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), we educate teens about healthy relationships, abstinence, and contraception, with the goal of reducing teen pregnancy and STI transmission rates. This program adopts a “train-the-trainer” model where we educate staff members at participating youth agencies including those working in the juvenile justice and foster care system in 13 Ohio counties (Region 4), who in turn, teach at-risk teens a factual and medically accurate curriculum covering healthy relationships, financial literacy, and preparing for careers.

Independent of our health and education programs, Planned Parenthood provides abortion services and advocates for safe and lawful abortion in three of our 27 health centers.

Consistent with federal and state laws, which have long prohibited the use of public funds to pay for abortions, no government funds or taxpayer dollars are used to pay for or subsidize abortion services or advocacy.

Systematic barriers to health care access for people of color are real. It is our job, as health care professionals, to ensure we offer the support necessary to break them down.

Together, working to increase support through the legislature, working with partnerships to find new and innovative approaches to deliver care to those who most need it, and by providing the education and life skills necessary to make informed, healthy decisions, we can make a difference every day in the lives of our neighbors and most at-risk communities.

Iris E. Harvey is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio. She oversees health care delivery, public policy advocacy, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships. Her career spans 25 years of executive experience including non-profits, global Fortune 500 organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.

NEW HILLIARD BRANCH BID OPPORTUNITIES

Columbus Metropolitan Library is building a new Hilliard Branch as part of its aspirational building program to rebuild or renovate 10 of its library locations.

Turner Construction Company, Construction Manager at Risk, will handle bidding for projects.

New Hilliard Branch Bid Package includes work for: • Concrete

• HVAC

• Flatwork

• Landscape

• Excavation

• Misc. Metals

• Site Utilities

• Painting

• Architectural Woodwork

• Paving, Striping and Signage

• Drywall and Acoustical Ceilings

• Plumbing

• Fire Suppression

• Structural Demolition

• Flooring and Carpet

• Window Treatment

Learn about how to bid on these packages by joining us: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Turner Construction Company 262 Hanover Street – Downtown Columbus RSVP at rsvp@columbuslibrary.org Also learn about future projects for the new Martin Luther King and Dublin branches.

Columbus Metropolitan Library maintains a policy and commitment to support small, certified minority-owned and women-owned business and suppliers. This project has a 20% MBE/WBE contracting goal and an employment goal of 10% minority and 6.9% female.

columbuslibrary.org

PROTECT YOUR BABY Follow the ABCs of safe sleep

Sleep your baby: A Alone

EXPERIENCED.

B Back

From genetics to our environment to the digital landscape,

C Empty Crib

science surrounds us every day. COSI envisions a community where science is a priority—and a doorway to opportunity—for all.

Together, we can ask questions, explore freely, and problem-solve

Every nap, every night, every time

our way to next-generation discoveries.

Need a crib, call 614-645-3111 For more information visit CelebrateOne.info

333 West Broad Street | 614.228.2674 | cosi.org

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The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

COVER STORY

Dr. Frederic Bertley - “A Mission to Succeed”

By Ray Miller, MPA On January 1, 2017, the Board of Trustees of COSI-the Center of Science and Industry--took a very bold step and hired, as its new President and CEO, Dr. Frederic Bertley. He is high energy, a dynamic speaker, intellectually gifted, personable, and well-grounded in history and his heritage.

In short, he is the Lebron James of STEM programming--Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, for the next generation.

Dr. Bertley has been recognized both nationally and internationally as a thought leader in the fields of applied science, science education and community engagement. He comes to Columbus from having served as the former Senior VicePresident for Science and Education at the renowned Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--the oldest Science Center in America, founded in 1824.

“The search committee really delivered on meeting the high aspirations set for our incoming leader,” said Board Chair, Michael W. Louge. “Dr. Bertley is a renowned force with an extraordinary body of work and passion for science education. He is a collaborator to the core who has impacted countless people and communities as a result of his ability to cultivate interest in STEM through outreach and dynamic programming. His talent and advocacy are a perfect match to further COSI’s mission.”

During his eight years at The Franklin Institute, the most visited museum in Pennsylvania, Dr. Bertley focused on improving the quality of science education throughout the K-16 population, increasing science literacy for families and the non-scientist adult population, and engaging diverse communities in science, technology, engineering and math.

His work includes: • Developing and overseeing regional, national and international STEM education programs; providing indelible science museum experiences for multi-generation and wide-demographic audiences; • Co-founding and overseeing the development and successful execution of the award-winning Philadelphia Science Festival (PSF), a free, nineday, community-wide experience and celebration of science and technology; in six years the PSF has impacted more than 200,000 individuals.

• Creating the STEM Scholars Program, and leading the Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science (PACTS), two premiere youth programs which provide science enrichment, career development, crossage mentoring and leadership opportunities for middle and high school students; • Being a critical member of the fundraising team to sustain capital and programmatic efforts through individual, corporate, foundation and

Dr. Bertley welcomes students and their families to COSI

federal support; • Creating the Color of Science Program which recognizes the contributions to science and engineering by women and persons of color.

“I am excited to lead COSI during such an exciting and transformational time into its next fantastic era as both a regional and national pillar for science engagement and enlightenment, as well as, advancing the thriving cultural, educational, entertainment, corporate and philanthropic communities of Columbus,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley. “I look forward to the unequalled opportunity to be part of something truly great succeeding Dr. Chesebrough’s tenure and I feel privileged to take on this important role.”

Dr. Bertley has been published in numerous academic scientific journals and served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the development of an HIV vaccine at the Harvard University Medical School and the Children’s Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Bertley began his career with the International Development Research Council (IDRC), where he provided clinical and technical support for researchers providing access to healthcare and basic vaccines in Sudan, Africa, Haiti, West Indies and the Canadian Arctic. Along with his appointment at Harvard Medical School, he was a Research Affiliate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and held faculty positions at Northeastern University and Roxbury Community College.

Dr. Bertley joins as the fifth president of the more than 52-year-old institution and at a pivotal time for COSI having recently announced an exciting new partnership with the American Museum of Natural History which will bring dinosaurs to Columbus in 2017. Additionally, the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation is developing an eight-acre park with an underground parking garage which will provide COSI with beautiful greenspace for the

The AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015 The Columbus Columbus African African American American •News

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development of even more engaging outdoor experiences for guests starting in 2018.

Louge said the extensive international search resulted in an extraordinary candidate for the position, “The search committee was looking for a strategic planner, community collaborator, and proven fundraiser with award-winning event and exhibit experience. We were thrilled that Dr. Bertley exuded all of these attributes and more.”

The 20-member search committee was comprised of members of the COSI Board of Trustees and Central Ohio business and cultural leaders. The search commenced with the January announced retirement of Dr. David Chesebrough, who held the position for more than 10 years.

A native Canadian, Bertley received his Ph.D. in Immunology, and a B.Sc. in Physiology and Mathematics, both from McGill University in Montreal.

Dr. Bertley has received many honors, including the Dell Inc. Inspire 100 World Changers, Harvard Medical School Dean’s Service Award, Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Philadelphia Business Journal’s Minority Business Leader Award, The President’s Award (Merck) as well as citations from both the City Council of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, Dr. Bertley is a two-time, Mid-Atlantic EMMY™ winner and has been inducted into the National Library of Congress.

With the support of the Franklin Institute, Bertley focused on improving the quality of science education worldwide and furthering science literacy for the non-scientist adult population.

There, he oversaw departments such as gender and adult learning, community engagement, youth programs, professional development, and learning technologies—as well as the institute’s prestigious Franklin Institute Awards Continued on Page 21

COVER STORY

Dr. Bertley receives award from Dr. Todd Walker, Principal of Columbus Africentric Early College

Program, the oldest comprehensive science awards programs in the nation; and was also the executive editor of the Journal of the Franklin Institute, the second oldest scientific journal in the United States. Bertley was the driving force behind the Franklin Institute’s collaborative efforts to improve the global education landscape, primarily in Egypt through a USAID-funded program managed by World Learning, in partnership with the Franklin Institute, the 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, and the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM. In 2011, Bertley founded The Color of Science™, a program that honors the superb contributions of underrepresented groups, including women and persons of color each year. The program is designed to specifically promote and showcase diversity within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) arenas locally and nationally. It includes a live monthly radio talk show hosted by Bertley, a traveling panel exhibit, and a two-day public event that brings esteemed STEM experts together to relate their stories, celebrate their achievements, and demonstrate to the next generation the variety of opportunities available in STEM-related fields.

Bertley’s background in applied science and science education have led him to generate ways of distilling complex scientific principles into more easily digestible concepts for a wide and inclusive audience. He appears frequently on local and national networks including NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, and FOX. Education As an undergraduate, Bertley studied physiology, mathematics, and the history of science. He obtained both his bachelor’s degree in science (1994) and his Ph.D. in immunology (1999) from McGill University, and then completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School (2003).[5] After graduating from McGill, he turned his attention to the lack of primary healthcare, preventative medicine, and basic vaccines in developing nations where he managed multinational teams in Haiti, Sudan, and Canadian Arctic. He continued this focus by joining a vaccine research group at Harvard Medical School focusing on the development of DNA vaccines for HIV/AIDS. Career After his postdoctoral fellowship, Bertley worked as a scientist at Millennium Pharmaceuticals before joining WilmerHale LLP as a technology

specialist in 2004. After spending two years with the firm, Bertley returned to Harvard Medical School as a science professor in 2008. That same year, he became the Vice President of the Center for Innovation in Science Learning at the Franklin Institute. Through his initiatives for diversity in science and health education and his development of a STEM curriculum for grades K-12, as well as undergraduate and graduate programs, Bertley earned his former position as Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute.

Research Bertley was a research affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and served as the Goodwill Ambassador to Senegal for Science Education and Innovation. He has lectured on a variety of science and education topics at universities, colleges, conferences, cultural institutions, and government agencies throughout the world. He has delivered keynote addresses and has been an invited speaker at several distinguished institutions including the United Nations, the White House, US Department of Interior, National Academy of Sciences, Wharton School of Business, and the National Science Foundation in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and South America including Paraguay, Europe, Japan, and Africa.

It is worth noting that Dr. Bertley gives full credit to his parents for creating an environment in which he and his siblings could thrive and achieve at the highest level.

Family Comes First Everything I do well is literally because I have two of the best parents in the world. I didn’t grow up in a single parent family; I didn’t grow up without a dad in the family. I grew up with two amazing parents, where the children meant the world to them. Plus, they always told us and showed us that you could be anything in this life you wanted to be. Here’s an example of that.

My dad from Trinidad, comes home having bought for me, my sister, younger brother, my mother and himself, a full set of skiing gear and season ski tickets. He announced to us that in Canada, there is this thing called “skiing”. Now, remember, none of us know how to ski and I am 3 years old at the time. I learned to ski and when I went to University, I went out for the ski team. We had all these kids coming in from all over who had skied all their life and raced. I had not raced, but got very good at skiing. We had what was called dry run, or dry skiing, where we literally went down the hills in the spring and summer, with no snow. I remember telling them I would make the team and sure enough, I did. I can remember that no one trying out for the team was black and during those tryouts as I strolled in for the signups, everyone was looking at me and finally a guy says, “I think you are at the wrong place, the football team is practicing over there.”

And I’m thinking, here we go again. Black man, football but certainly not on the ski team. So, I told everyone I would make the team and I did. I wasn’t the fastest but I was the 7th out of 12 and made the team.

Words of Advice Well, one thing my mother taught me that has stayed with me over the years, she said “Son, never argue with fools!” She explained that to argue with an idiot will bring you down to their level and they will always beat you with experience. They have all the experience at being an idiot so you can’t win.

The Value of Education 21

Dr. Bertley hard at work in his new office at COSI

I think it was the fact of growing up with two fascinating and intelligent parents. The discussions and debates in that household were challenging, rewarding and fun. With a family like that, there were always debates and learning how to go from being last to first and first to last.

And I learned very quickly about traditions. I proudly tell everyone that McGill is the Harvard of the South. I know lots of people say Duke is the Harvard of the south, but McGill University is the Harvard of the South. I remember when it was time to decide where I was going to go to University, I applied to McGill and Concordia Universities. Concordia was a business school. I told my family I had chosen Concordia business school and my father said, “Son, come here.

Your mother went to McGill University, I went to McGill University, your sister went to McGill University, your brother went to McGill University and your other brother is going to McGill University now. You are not going to this other University. And we as a family have the distinct honor of being the only family with the most degrees in it from one college. My mother has 4 degrees from McGill, my father has two, my sister has two, my brothers and I have degrees from McGill and that gives us 17 degrees from McGill. And then I applied to a law firm and they said they only take students from the top schools and we were number two, but I got in not because of my academics, but because I had graduated from McGill. They said they only hire those graduating from McGill. Unfortunately society values those types of things, not anything of real substance but because you are part of tradition.

Reference was made to Dr. Bertley being the LeBron James of STEM. If that is to be approximated to any considerable degree, the revealing question becomes: How do you keep LeBron from moving to Miami? The answers are obvious: • Compensate him in accordance with the results he achieves • Surround him with exceptional talent • Do not stifle his creativity • Continue to make him the face of the franchise • Structure his contract with bonuses and incentives consistent with a talented football coach • Listen to him and respect his knowledge of every aspect of the game • Appoint him to corporate boards After all, we want to keep LeBron fully satisfied-playing for the home team!

The Columbus African American • April 2017

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FCCS_Ad-GenMsg_5X7-V_1 Wednesday, July 30, 2014 6:12:25 PM

HEALTH

THE RIGHT THING TO DO

By Dr. Kevin Dixon As I started to write this column for National Minority Health Month, I kept wondering how I was going to tie the topic I wanted to share with you, addiction, to this particular month. Then, I found the tagline for this year’s campaign, Bridging Health Equity Across Communities, and I realized I did not have to look any further.

Addiction has been an ongoing issue in our community. In the 1980’s, crack cocaine was at the center of the drug epidemic, leading to harsher drug laws and stricter penalties. Now, it is the opiate epidemic and the conversation has changed to reducing criminal offenses and finding help and treatment for people who are suffering.

There is no denying the conversations around addictions have changed dramatically. And there are a lot of conversations about why. Is it because it is impacting the white community? Is it because the actions taken in the past did not work? While I certainly cannot answer all the conjecture around the why, one thing is clear. As a community, we can continue to do more for all people who are suffering from addiction.

today as CompDrug (VITA Center, Inc.). Also, ADAMH has a long-standing relationship with Maryhaven, providing funding for treatment services for Franklin County residents. Another example is our continued commitment to the residents of the near eastside. ADAMH started funding these services in 1991 and still continues to do so. Earlier this year, ADAMH contracted with Community for New Directions to provide outpatient and medication assisted treatment at the 1000 Atcheson Street location. While this is a different provider, the services are an expansion of what ADAMH has been funding in this particular neighborhood for 26 years.

Regardless if it is heroin, crack cocaine, alcohol or any other substance, providing treatment to people who suffer from substance use disorders is of the utmost importance to the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County. And it always has been. For the past 38 years, ADAMH has been funding methadone In addition to treatment, another area that is so through the organization our community knows vitally important, and near and dear to me, is prevention. ADAMH funds many prevention efforts, including summer camps. These camps are so important to help stop the cycle of addiction. They are designed to promote positive social-emotional development, reduce the likelihood that someone will engage in alcohol and drug use and increase academic performance to reduce the summer achievement gap. Last year, ADAMH expanded our summer camp investments, bringing our total to 27 summer camps, including faith-based and Freedom Schools.

Innovative and new approaches are also a hallmark to our service delivery approach like the new mobile response team that is about to launch.

This mobile response team embeds a Southeast clinician with the Columbus Fire Department to provide on scene crisis intervention for an individual struggling with an addiction or mental health crisis. The team will specifically provide outreach to people after an overdose for continued engagement and possible linkage to care.

profit organizations. They provide mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment and support services to Franklin County residents.

Some other examples include APDS, Buckeye Ranch, Columbus Public Health, Columbus Urban League, Columbus Area Integrated Health, Inc., Directions for Youth & Families and UMADAOPFC. I would be remiss if I did not share with you that ADAMH is currently working on a community plan to address the opiate epidemic. The Franklin County Commissioners and City of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther invited ADAMH to lead the efforts and we are currently in the information gathering phase. In addition to organizations you might suspect we are talking to like public safety officials, hospitals and behavioral healthcare providers, we are also reaching out to local area commissions, faith communities and family members to hear and learn from their perspectives. While this is a huge undertaking, we are confident that this plan will bring about new and creative ideas to address this issue and save more lives in our community.

Community education, like this article, is a pillar of our organization. Until people can talk openly about their mental illnesses or substance use disorders the same way they can talk about high blood pressure and diabetes, the stigma is going to prevent people from getting the help they need.

That is why it is so important for us to have these moments of reflection during National Minority Health Month and throughout the entire year.

As the great Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Please lift your voices to talk about issues of mental health and addiction in our community. It is the right thing to do.

Dr. Kevin Dixon is the Vice President of While I named a few specific organizations, the Community and Cultural Engagement at ADAMH ADAMH Network consists of more than 34 non- of Franklin County.

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The Columbus African American • April 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

CARING FOR AGING PARENTS

By Alethea E. Gaddis As a young woman I remember the care my mother and her siblings provided for their aging mother; my grandmother. I have vivid memories of riding with Mom as she took Mama to the store and on errands after Paw Paw passed away. Then there were also my two aunts, Henrietta and Laura. I remember riding with Mom when she stopped by to check on them and transport them on their errands as well. As my grandmother, and aunts became vulnerable and their ability to care for themselves compromised, critical decisions had to be made surrounding their care.

So, the foundation was laid and the example was modeled before all of the Thompson cousins.

Some of us have found ourselves caring for and whispering goodnight to our parents; some of us are still on the journey.

no compass to help us navigate multiple appointments with her physician and specialists.

There is no set dietary formula because every persons needs are specific to their situation.

As we served as her chief advocate, there was nothing to prepare us for hospice, the imminent heath decline and looming last breath.

Caring for aging parents is part of the cycle of life and I personally counted it as a privilege to love and serve my mother.

I learned though, that the other side of caring for a parent is caring for yourself. Here are a few thoughts.

1. Caregiver stress can cause physical, emotional and mental problems. I discovered when I didn’t prioritize myself, my caregiving effort was impacted. Rest, a healthy diet, physical activity and even social activity are all equally important.

2. Try and delegate tasks to other family members or close friends. In some cases you may need to hire skilled people to assist you.

Be selective. Some people mean well but your loved one needs to connect with the additional There was no manual to help us develop or help if possible. My sister and I unapologetically sharpen our caregiving skills. There was interviewed every nurse and aide with no qualms about requesting someone different if they didn’t In my mother’s latter years, my siblings and I slowly grasped that the parents who taught us and provided for us were becoming different people and the reversal of rolls was real!

The Columbus African American • April 2017

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meet the standard.

3. Know your limitations. Every adult child has a different temperament. It is stressful and people must know their capacity and feel free to express the level to which they can assist.

4. Understand that caring for any ill person can place a strain on the relationship. Learn to recognize and understand that stress breeds anxiety and it’s easy to become frustrated and short-tempered. Caregivers must restrain themselves and not permit your frustration to hinder their efforts.

5. Mom was always appreciative of our care and verbalized it until she was unable to. Dealing with aging, pain and failing health can illicit fear.

As they grasp their loss of independence it may also bring on depression. Don’t take it personally if they do not praise your efforts.

Remember, caring for an aging loved one is a “transitional” time. Essentially, roles are reversing as the adult child becomes the “parent,” and frustration and discomfort are common. Each journey is different and there will be challenges, hurdles and often a tremendous sacrifice. To me, the sacrifice and the challenges paled in comparison to the priceless gift of caring for my mother in her weakest hour and to the end.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

DO NOT BECOME A STATISTIC: LEARN HOW TO AVOID OR MANAGE DIABETES April is Minority Health Month and thoughts percent of this group in Franklin County of family and their health status often cross the •9.0% of Asian Americans minds of many during this time of year.

You may inherit more than your eye and hair •7.6% of non-Hispanic whites 18 and older color from your family. You can also inherit a predisposition for diabetes, a disease that More than 20% of health care spending is for disproportionally affects racial and ethnic people with diagnosed diabetes. minorities.

Diabetes risk factors include: Diabetes occurs because of the body’s inability to produce or use insulin—a hormone released Unquenchable thirst, weight loss and gain, into the blood to control glucose (sugar) levels fatigue, tingling or numbness in hands, legs or and the amount of glucose transported into cells feet, blurred vision, dry or itchy skin, cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal. as an energy source.

High blood sugar can lead to devastating health problems, including heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation, and death.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness.

Diabetes affects nearly 29 million or 9.3 % of Americans. In addition, about 86 million adults have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States in 2013 (and may be underreported).

Who has diabetes?

•15.9% of American Indians/Alaska natives •12.8% of Hispanics •13.2% of non-Hispanic blacks including over 11

Spring is a perfect time to make small changes to support our health, which affirms that we’re moving in the right direction. We should watch our portion sizes, avoid processed and fried foods, eat more vegetables and choose whole grains over refined grains.

Many of us find it difficult to make several changes at once, but we can make one change and practice making it a part of our everyday lives.

Here are a few ideas to try and implement:

• Think of the grocery cart as a reflection of your diet and make vegetables a large part of your cart Other factors to consider are being 45 years or each time you shop older, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, being physically active less than 3 times a week. • Eat breakfast every morning and make one or Having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a two healthy foods, maybe some fruit and a bowl baby who weighed more than 9 pounds. Race of whole grain cereal or oatmeal, a part of that and ethnicity are also factors: African Americans, meal Hispanics and Latinos, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at • Eat fish at least a couple times each week higher risk than Whites.

If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, Central People who have one or more of the risk factors Ohio Diabetes Association offers comprehensive, should talk to their doctor about getting their individualized diabetes education that provides blood sugar tested. the information and support a person needs to manage diabetes and achieve blood sugar goals.

When these warning signs are associated with Call (614) 884-4400 for more information or visit diabetes, they are the result of high glucose our website at www.diabetesohio.org levels in the body. If you notice any of the signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor, who For over 50 years the Central Ohio Diabetes will be able to tell you if you have reason to be Association has assisted Central Ohioans with concerned about a diagnosis of diabetes. diabetes, detect their condition, present onset and complications and learn to live with the If diagnosed early diabetes can be controlled. challenge of diabetes.

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

By Marion Thompson

During April, FCCS is partnering with the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund and the Center for Family Safety and Healing to promote #IntheNext30Minutes-a statewide awareness and prevention campaign. Share how you will support families in need on social media using #InTheNext30Minutes and tag Ohio Children’s Trust Fund on Facebook and @OhioCTF on both Instagram and Twitter. Also tag your friends and ask them to pledge their support within 30 minutes of your post!

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for shining the spotlight on the increasing need for awareness and prevention of abuse and neglect. In 2016, Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) received 31,639 referrals of suspected abuse/neglect and conducted 13,500 investigations. Child abuse occurs at every social and economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Communities need to band together to prevent it. FCCS will spread this message FCCS will also host the annual Child Abuse through several campaigns and events in April. Prevention Breakfast with the Citizens Advisory Committee on Wednesday, April 12 at the According to next30.org, every 30 minutes a Boathouse to recognize the accomplishments of child is abused or neglected in Ohio. In the next youth, families, social workers, and community 30 minutes, we are asking adults to take a pledge advocates. April 12 is also Wear Blue Day. Show to do more to prevent child abuse by simple acts your support in preventing child abuse and of kindness, such as: neglect by wearing blue and email photos to us at FCCSOutreach@fccs.us. You may see your - Comforting a crying baby photo appear on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

- Offering to help a struggling family Marion Thompson is a Social Program Specialist - Mentoring a child f o r t h e o f f i c e o f C o m m u n i t y O u t re a c h Development/Communications Division with Reporting suspected abuse or neglect to (614) Franklin County Children Services.

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American • April 2017

HEALTH

MYPLATE FOR OLDER ADULTS

By Barbara A. Sykes In anticipation of succumbing to the sweet perils of Easter and the accompanying baskets full of treats, I am recommitting myself to fresh pledges of healthy eating. I have a new ally in this high-minded enterprise: MyPlate for Older Adults.

Pictured here, this image has evolved from the US Department of Agriculture’s original food pyramid and is tailored to address the unique food needs of people age 50-plus.

Unlike counting invisible calories, MyPlate shows me at a colorful, compelling glance how much real estate on the dish should be devoted to which foods. Vegetables and fruits have the most acreage – half the plate, to be exact. Another quarter is for grains (especially whole grains), and the final quarter is for protein-rich foods (nuts, beans, low fat dairy, and the like).

The Columbus African American • April 2017

Alas, no space left for peanut butter eggs.

Plate offers a memorable, easy-to-understand nutrition guide.

The new graphic and accompanying website (http://hnrca.tufts.edu/myplate/) were created The unique value of MyPlate for Older Adults by nutrition scientists at Tufts University with is its acknowledgment that older adults’ dietary needs and challenges differ from everyone else’s. support from AARP Foundation.

For example, physiological mechanisms, such In addition to helping people like you and me to as the natural thirst mechanism that prompts us improve our diets, MyPlate for Older Adults plays to drink enough fluids, may not function as well a serious, central role in AARP Foundation’s as we age. And too much salt, which is not great long-term strategy to overcome food insecurity for anyone, is especially bad for older adults, who among older adults. The rate of food insecurity are more prone to high blood pressure and may among this population has more than doubled crave more salt as their taste sensation diminishes with age. MyPlate accounts for these changes since 2001, putting more than 10 million older with recommendations for bolstering fluid intake individuals at risk of going hungry every day, in and for flavoring with herbs and spices. every community. For them hunger has become a serious health issue.

MyPlate deserves to be posted on every refrigerator, at every restaurant, and in every Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about grocery store aisle. With this simple guide, we healthy options and good nutrition play a critical have a chance to make strides toward improving role in food insecurity. The most effective the health and well-being of older women and approach to the problem is a combination of men. providing meals while also teaching older adults how to eat healthier on a limited budget. My Barbara A. Sykes is the Director of AARP Ohio

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

By Ray Miller, MPA Handbook of Minority Aging

Dying To Be Men - Psychosocial, Environmental and Biobehavioral Directions in Promoting the Health of Men and Boys

By Keith E. Whitfield and Tamara A. Baker This book provides up-to-date, multidisciplinary and comprehensive information about aging among diverse racial and ethnic populations in the United States. It is the only book to focus on paramount public health issues as they relate to older minority Americans, and addresses social, behavioral, and biological concerns for this population.

The book distills the most important advances in the science of minority aging and incorporates the evidence of scholars in gerontology, anthropology, psychology, public health, sociology, social work, biology, medicine and nursing. Additionally, this book incorporates the work of both established and emerging scholars to provide the broadest possible knowledge base on the needs of and concerns for this rapidly growing population.

By Will Courtenay Masculinity has a powerful effect on the health of men and boys. Indeed, many of the behaviors they use to “be men” actually increase their risk of disease, injury and death. In this book, Dr. Will Courtenay, an internationally recognized expert on men’s health, provides a foundation for understanding specific gender differences in the health-related attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of men and boys and the health consequences of these differences.

Courtenay provides four empirical studies conducted with multidisciplinary colleagues that examine the associations between masculinity and men and boys’ health benefits and practices.

The Good Doctors - The Medical Committee for Human Rights and the Struggle for Social Justice in Health Care

Precarious Prescriptions - Contested Histories of Race and Health in North America

By Laurie B. Green & John MckiernanGonzalez

By John Dittmer In the summer of 1964 medical professionals, mostly white and northern, organized the Medical Committee for Human Rights (MCHR) to provide care and support for civil rights activists organizing black voters in Mississippi. They left their lives and lucrative private practices to march beside and tend to the wounds of demonstrators from Freedom Summer, the March on Selma, and the Chicago Democratic Convention of 1968.

Galvanized and sometimes radicalized by their firsthand view of disenfranchised communities, MCHR soon expanded its mission to encompass a range of causes from poverty to the war in Vietnam. They later took on the whole of the United States healthcare system. MCHR doctors also pioneered community health plans and brought medical care to underserved or unserved areas.

In Precarious Prescriptions, the authors bring together essays that place race, citizenship, and gender at the center of questions about health and disease.

Exploring the interplay between disease as a biological phenomenon, illness as a subjective experience and race as an ideological construct, this volume weaves together a complicated history to show the role that health and medicine have played throughout the past in defining the ideal citizen.

By creating an intricate portrait of the close associations of race, medicine, and public health, Precarious Prescriptions helps us better understand the long and fraught history of health care in America.

Cancer Disparities - Causes and Evidence-Based Solutions

By Dr. Ronit Elk & Dr. Hope Landrine

Race, Ethnicity, and Health - A Public Health Reader

By Thomas A. LaVeist & Lydia A. Isaac The second edition publication is a new and critical selection of hallmark articles that address health disparities in America.

If effectively documents the need for equal treatment and equal health status for minorities. Intended as a resource for faculty and students in public health as well as the social sciences, it will also be valuable to public health administrators and frontline staff who serve diverse racial and ethnic populations. The book brings together the best peer reviewed research literature from the leading scholars and faulty in this growing field, providing a historical and political context for the study of health, race, and ethnicity, with key findings on disparities in access, use, and quality. This volume also examines the role of health care providers in health disparities and discusses the issue of matching patients and doctors by race.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

There has been remarkable progress in understanding, preventing, detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer, resulting in a reduction of cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. Despite this, the cancer burden varies considerably by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Cancer incidence rates vary markedly between racial/ethnic groups, but even more startling are the differences in outcome across groups.

Cancer Dispartities: Causes and EvidenceBased Solutions helps readers understand the scope and causes of this inequity by providing a detailed analysis of the many factors that result in cancer disparities across the cancer continuum, including the role of race/ ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to and use of services, insurance status, geographic variables, and differences in treatment provided to patients.

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The Columbus African American • April 2017

HEALTH

THE OHIO COMMISSION ON MINORITY HEALTH CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE 2017 MINORITY HEALTH MONTH EXPO Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Commission on Minority Health will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. To kick off this celebration, the Commission hosted two events. The first, a cabinet level panel discussion entitled “Addressing Health Disparities and Achieving Health Equity: Policy Matters,” featured keynote speaker, Brian D. Smedley, Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity. The panel was held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at the Ohio Department of Transportation Central Office Auditorium. The second event was the 2017 Minority Health Month Expo & 30th Anniversary Opening Ceremony – Bridging Health Equity Across Communities! The Expo was held in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Both events were free and open to the public. WBNS 10 TV and News Anchor/Reporter Tracy Townsend, served as Media Sponsor and Media Host respectively.

“Ohio joins the nation in the celebration of April as our 30th Minority Health Month,” stated Commission Executive Director, Angela Dawson. “The 2017 national theme for Minority Health Month is “Bridging Health Equity Across Communities.” This theme reflects The Ohio Commission on Minority Health’s continuous and collective efforts to increase momentum toward achieving a state free of disparities in health and health care.” Removing health disparities and achieving health equity is at the crux of the Commission’s work and a key message during the opening program.

Key to the Commission’s success this year was the expansion and replication of the Infant Mortality Pathways HUB Model.

Based on our first-year preliminary data, when comparing county data versus HUB data for African American low birthweight, all six HUBs had better (lower) African American low birth rates. For example, Akron, one of three new

(L to R) Angela Dawson - OCMH Executive Director, Cheryl Boyce - OCMH Executive Director Emeritus, Dr. Gregory Hall - OCMH Board Chair

The Columbus African American • April 2017

Ohio Commission on Minority Health Director Angela Dawson, shares remarks during the panel discussion.

HUBs, has an African American low birthweight rate of 7.4%; whereas Summit County has an African American low birthweight rate of 15.4%.

Further, first year preliminary data indicates that 83% of the HUBs have improved or maintained the preterm birthweight rates of their respective counties. For example, during the first year, Health Care Access Now, one of three existing HUBs, has an 11.1% African American preterm birth rate as compared to their county’s African American preterm birth rate of 17.3%.

Director Dawson shared that, “The Commission is honored to provide expanded minority health awareness opportunities in our 30th Minority Health Month Expo, due to the gracious support of our corporate sponsors.” This year’s Bronze Level Sponsor is Buckeye Health Plan. Pewter Level Sponsors include CareSource, OSUWexner Medical Center, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, ProMedica and Molina. Over 50 vendors will be on site for free health screenings and information, health incentives, healthy food samples, and live fitness demonstrations including Zumba, Hip Hop Fitness, Fitness Bootcamp, and Tai Chi. During April, there will be over 100 events throughout Ohio focused on the promotion of healthy lifestyles, screening activities, and the provision of crucial information to empower individuals to practice health promotion and prevention. You can find activities near you on the Commission’s website, www.mih.ohio.gov.

All Minority Health Month events are free and open to the public.

The first Minority Health Month was held in April 1989 as a statewide 30-day wellness campaign. In 2000, Minority Health Month became a national celebration. Minority Health Month was designed to: • Promote healthy lifestyles;

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• Provide crucial information to allow individuals to practice disease prevention; • Showcase the resources for providers of grassroots health care and disseminate information; • Highlight the resolution of the disparate health conditions between Ohio’s minority and nonminority populations; and • Gain additional support for the on-going efforts to improve minority health year-round.

In 1987, the Ohio Commission on Minority Health became the first freestanding state agency in the nation to address the disparity that exists between the health status of minority and non-minority populations. Today, there are Offices of Minority Health in 47 states. The Commission’s mission is to eliminate disparities in minority health through innovative strategies and financial opportunities, public health promotion, legislative action, public policy and systems change. For more information on the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, please visit their website at www.mih.ohio.gov. If you have any other questions please contact the Commission at (614) 466-4000.

All Photos by Shellee Fisher

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

THE OHIO COMMISSION ON MINORITY HEALTH CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE 2017 MINORITY HEALTH MONTH EXPO

OCMH Panel Discussion - March 27, 2017

Hero/Shero Award Recipients - March 28, 2017

1st Row: Dr. Cora Munoz - Vice Chairperson of OCMH Board, Dr. Brian Smedley Keynote Speaker, Angela Dawson - Director of OCMH, Ms. Cheryl Boyce Executive Director Emeritus, Dr. Gregory L. Hall - Board Chair OCMH

Valerie Vincent - Cleveland, Vilaphet Rajamountry - Columbus, Barbara Beckwith Burgess - Columbus, Gina McFarlane-El - Dayton, Tina Butts - Toledo, Rev. Lewis Macklin, III - Youngstown, Dr. Gregory Hall - OCMH Board Chair, Angela Dawson - OCMH Director,

2nd Row: Director Cynthia Dungey of ODJFS, Director Tracy Plouck of OMHAS 3rd Row: Chip Allen - Board Designee of the ODH Office of Health Equity, Superintendent DeMaria of ODE, Amy Rohling - Director of HPIO, Acting Director Lance Himes of ODH, Dr. Deena Chisolm - Board Member of OCMH

Presentation of the Ray Miller Crystal Stair Award - March 28, 2017

Minority Health Community Action Award Recipients - March 28, 2017

LaVelle Betts - Buckeye Health Plan, Ray Miller - Founder of OCMH, Dr. Arthur James, Dr. Gregory Hall - OCMH Board Chair, Angela Dawson - Executive Director OCMH

Masami Smith, Valerie Huang, Zulaika Nieves-Ramos, Taba Aleem, Angela Dawson Executive Director OCMH, Dr. Gregory Hall - OCMH Board Chair

Wanda Dillard - Director OSU Medical Center, Dr. Gregory Hall - OCMH Board Chair, Angela Dawson - Executive Director OCMH, Dr. Harold C. Thompson, III

Honorable Charleta B. Tavares - State Senator, 15th Senate District

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The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

KING ARTS COMPLEX CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY Theme: Connecting Community through the Arts for Three Decades

We are gearing up to celebrate THREE AMAZING DECADES of African American art and culture in Columbus during The King Arts Complex 30th Anniversary Gala. This party with a purpose will be held for the first time at Hilton Columbus Downtown, a longtime supporter of King Arts that is home to over 230 original works created by area artists including legends Kojo Kamau and Aminah Robinson.

“The King Arts Complex was the anchor for the revitalization of the Bronzeville area of Columbus, Ohio thirty years ago, Today, the area is known as the King-Lincoln District.

The district has become a destination for visitors from around the world and this is just the beginning! We are delighted to celebrate three decades of The King Arts Complex. Where dreams come alive!”

-Demetries J. Neely, Executive Director

The event will begin with a VIP dinner and program from 7 - 8:30 p.m. where we will recognize and honor the late Jerry Hammond, Nationwide, and L Brands-whose courageous

and visionary leadership made The Complex’s opening possible. Guests are encouraged to stay for the Gala lasting until 1 a.m., featuring high-energy entertainment from Dru Hill, hors d’oeuvre stations, cash bars, live auction with special “Fund a Need” benefit for King Arts summer campers, an after-party with DJ Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa and more.

“I grew up going to Frank’s barbershop on Mt. Vernon Avenue and remember vividly when the King Arts Complex became a reality. To have the opportunity to co-chair this year’s annual gala with my wife Robyn, Brian who I have known literally my entire life and his wife Dominique for the 30th year is truly an honor and very humbling. Looking forward to seeing so many come out for a first class event! “ -Ron Ransom, Honorary Co-Chair

“My wife Dominique and I grew up on the near east side in the Woodland Park area, as a teenager she took an African American dance class at the KAC and most recently she volunteered her time conducting her Dream Big Workshop during the youth summer camp. I have attended many events and galas, was a key member of the team that facilitated the restoration and presentation of the E.E. Ward murals painted

The Columbus African American •News AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015

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by Aminah Robinson, on permanent display in the gallery hallway. The King Arts Complex has been a part of our lives for 30 years. To be co-chairs for the 30th Anniversary Gala with Robyn and Ron Ransom is a true honor that we will never forget.”

-Brian Brooks, Honorary Co-Chair

We invite you to join us for the celebration that evening, but also ask that you take a moment to review the attached sponsor information via the link below to learn how you and your company can show your appreciation for 30 years of top-notch arts and cultural programming from The King Arts Complex. Not only will you receive generous recognition for your sponsorship, but your contribution will help The Complex to fulfill its mission of connecting community through the arts..

Please join presenting sponsor Nationwide as we celebrate 30 years of The King Arts Complex and honor those who gave the organization its start.

For more information or to purchase tickets by phone, please contact the King Arts Complex 614-645-5464 (KING) or log on to www. thekingartscomplex.com

POLITICS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

TRANSPORTATION BUDGET PASSES: OHIO CONTINUES NO VISION, NO PLANNING

By Senator Charleta B. Tavares

of the bill and gets rid of them. By removing the provision that would increase revenue to the Local Transportation Improvement Fund, we are failing once again to assist local governments.

Most egregiously, we are eliminating an additional $15 million dollars a year to help fund public transit. A study by the Ohio Department of Transportation indicated that the needs of local transit authorities was in excess of $120 million annually to serve the needs of local urban, suburban and rural communities. My caucus made public transit funding one of our top priorities and it is unfortunate to see our handiwork and effort discarded.”

The Ohio General Assembly passed the 2-year Ohio Transportation Budget, House Bill 26 on Wednesday after the Conference Committee finalized the differences between the two chambers (House and Senate). The Conference Committee Report passed with a vote of 4-2.

The two Democrat members Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Cols) and Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cinc.) voted against the committee report due to the lack of support for multi-model Legislation Introduced: transportation (rail and public transit) and local government funding for roads, bridges and Senate Bill 16 – Requires Cultural Competence highways. training for health/human services providers (Sponsor Senator Tavares (D-Cols.)

The Conference Committee: Senate Health, Human Services & Medicaid Committee (Senator David Burke, chair) • Stripped out several provisions approved by The bill which has been introduced over the the Ohio Senate which required at least $33 last six years was reintroduced and had sponsor million in state funding for public transportation testimony provided on March 7, 2017. Chairman programs in each year of the biennium; Burke has indicated that proponent testimony will be heard in the coming weeks. Please contact • Removed language that would have provided Senator Charleta B. Tavares (614.466.5131) $ 3 0 m i l l i o n i n V o l k s w a g e n E m i s s i o n s and/or Senator Burke (614.466.8049) if you Settlement dollars for transit upgrades (new would like to provide proponent testimony environmentally-friendly buses); to ensure that Ohioans and especially, patients are receiving cultural and language • Eliminated language which would provide $48 appropriate services and care. million in new revenue from the motor fuel tax receipts to local governments for road, highway Senate Bill 91 – Single Payer Health Care and bridge projects; Plan – Ohio Health Care Plan (Joint sponsors: • Altered the Senate-passed language that would have required voter approval in counties seeking to impose an additional $5 local vehicle registration fee, instead leaving that permissive increase for road and bridge projects to approval by county commissioners or county governing boards subject to voter referendum; and • Approved a new rider on natural gas bills of up to $1.50 per month (or up to $18.00/yr.), from the current $3 per year, to cover the costs of economic development-related projects.

Both members shared their concerns regarding the impact the bill would have on marginalincomed residents and local governments.

“I have been really trying to work as hard as I can to keep fees down to a minimum. I represent a district that has a lot of people on fixed incomes,” stated Rep. Reece.

Sen. Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus) added “what is in the conference report takes the good things that were adopted in the Senate version

current job to start their own businesses or take advantage of another career opportunity, choose to stay in their current employment situation because they are worried about losing their health insurance and/or their chosen providers in the current employer’s healthcare plan….”

Additional Contacts UPDATE: The Ohio General Assembly sessions and the House and Senate Finance Committee as well as, the Senate Health, Human Services and Medicaid; Education; Transportation, Commerce and Labor (through June 30, 2017); and the Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee (effective July 1, 2017) will be televised live on WOSU/WPBO and replays can be viewed at www.ohiochannel. org (specific House and Senate sessions and committee hearings can be searched in the video archives).

Televised Live Committee Schedules (subject to change at the chair’s discretion): Health, Human Services and Medicaid: Tuesdays at 3:15pm Finance: Tuesdays at 2:30pm Education: Wednesday at 3:15pm Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee: Tuesdays at 9:45am

If you would like to receive updated information on the Ohio General Assembly and policy initiatives introduced, call or email my office at 614.466.5131 or tavares@ohiosenate.com to receive the Tavares Times News monthly legislative newsletter. The committee schedules, Senators Michael Skindell (D-Cleveland) and full membership rosters and contact information Charleta B. Tavares (D-Cols.) for the Ohio House and Senate can be found at: Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions www.ohiohouse.gov and www.ohiosenate.gov Committee (Senator Jay Hottinger, chair) respectively.

Partial testimony delivered by Senator Tavares: If you are interested in getting the House Calendar each week of the General Assembly, “SB 91 would give all Ohioans access to contact the House Clerk, http://www.ohiohouse. healthcare via a single payer system; would gov/housecalendar/house_calendar.pdf or your establish the Ohio Health Care Plan which state Representative. Senate calendars are would not only extend coverage to all Ohioans available at www.ohiosenate.gov; contact the but would enable them to choose their own Senate Clerk’s office at (614) 466-4900 or your providers; co-pays and deductibles would be state Senator. eliminated; and pre-existing conditions would no longer prevent access to healthcare.

Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, is proud A single payer system is best for Ohio because it increases access to care with minimal financial barriers. The Ohio Health Care Plan would uncouple health insurance from employment so that a person can go from one job to another without worrying about disruptions in their health insurance. SB 91 will also help to end the phenomenon known as “job lock”, in which people who otherwise would leave their

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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to serve and represent the 15th District, including the historic neighborhoods of Columbus and the cities of Bexley and Grandview Heights in the Ohio Senate. She serves as the Ohio Senate Assistant Minority Leader and the vicechair of the Finance – Health and Medicaid Subcommittee; Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation, Labor & Workforce and Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committees.

The Columbus African American • April 2017

POLITICS

TRUMP VS. AFRICAN AMERICANS: A PRAGMATIC APPROACH

By Eric Johnson, PhD There is a tension with President Trump’s perceived political agenda and the interests of African Americans that is clearly palpable.

President Trump’s political rhetoric during the Presidential campaign made, what seemed too many African Americans and other marginalized groups, a detectable and discernable turn from conservatism to bigotry and prejudice. While most of the President’s perceived bigoted and prejudicial statements have not targeted the Black community by name, much of the Black community has nonetheless assumed an intentional hostility in the President’s words, attitude, and behavior. The misogynistic and prejudicial statements made by candidate Trump should give any reasonable person sufficient justification to pause.

President Trump has assembled a cabinet that some in the Republican Party seem to praise. However, for many people in the Black community the President’s Cabinet is reminder that there is no one in the Whitehouse’s inner circle who could be misunderstood as being a friend. Steve Bannon’s, one of President Trump’s closest advisors, connection to the Altright movement is and should be concerning to any fair minded person. In short, the Alt-right movement is a far right extremist group whose ideological basis includes White Nationalist, Libertarians, and Cultural conservatives, none of which can be misconstrued as political allies of the African American community. Not to mention, that it appears that Beyoncé’ Knowles has more African Americans in her womb than President Trump has in his cabinet. The AntiDefamation League has issued its concerns about the Trump Whitehouse, while women have been moved to resist the Trump agenda in record numbers, not to mention the concern of the broader Latino community with specific attention to immigrant communities. It would seem that the Black community is not alone in both its perception of a developing hostile political climate as well as concern for future policy implementation.

Even the President’s signature attempt to appeal to the Black community demonstrates he is either woefully uninformed or just flat out racist. His appeal to Black people living in poverty in urban areas seems to contradict the fact that more than 66% of the Black community does not live in poverty. Moreover, his educational references seem to overlook the fact that high school graduation rates in urban communities of color often time exceed graduation rates of Whites in rural and Appalachian communities that seem to be a significant part of the President’s political base. To be sure it is probably prudent that many communities of color and other marginalized communities take a defensive posture as they seek to work the current administration.

The Columbus African American • April 2017

What should be understand by many in the Black community is that tying our political or economic fate to the actions President Trump or any other President for that matter is probably never a good idea. However, it is also not in our political interest to put our collective heads in the sand or to sit it out on the sideline and wait for the next election. No small challenge is the Whitehouse’s and the President’s tendency to not be limited by any objective truth other than the truths to which they seem only to have conditional allegiances. We have an obligation to our children, grandchildren and our elders to work structurally to produce the best results we can. There is no substitute for community organizing, resource pooling, or organizational collaborations, but we are required to utilize every tool at our disposal to support, promote, and forge collective improvement in the absence of prideful and egotistical preferences.

HIGH STREET - SUITE 102, COLUMBUS, OH 43215

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On that note there seems to be some areas in which collaboration is both possible and intriguing. If President Trump has some political capital to be spent on improving the quality of education in urban schools, we should listen and offer whatever is necessary to get the most good accomplished for all kids certainly that includes ours. If there is to be any semblance of a returning manufacturing industry lets be sure that our community stands to be benefit in any way that it can. It would seem that illegal immigration down thus in 2017, does that present any employment opportunities to our communities that otherwise might not be? The challenges of the next four years seem to be significant and varied but that is still not authorization for any less of an effort.

Black folks have lived through President’s who were slaveholders, Presidents who were open supporters of Jim Crow, and Presidents who seemed to be amenably hostile to the interests of the our community. In each of those cycles the river of progress continued to flow and now is not the exception. There has never been a time when Black people didn’t account for own progress while working to do what was necessary to bring about systemic improvement. In fact, we have been most successful when we have connected our interest with the concerns of those in power.

Where there is challenge there is opportunity and it is our responsibility to identify them both. The struggle continues...

Dr. Eric L. Johnson currently serves as the Chief Consultant with Strategies to Succeed and he is on the faculty at Virginia International University.

He is the former Chief of Research Publications for the United States Air Force Academy. He also worked in Columbus Public Schools for eight years. Moreover, he has conducted seminars internationally in places such as Russia, China, Canada, Africa and Central America. In addition he has published three books - Livin’ In The Shade, co-authored with his son, 10 Deadly Aspects of Pride nd Beyond Self Help: A Journey to Be Better

503 S.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

COMMUNITY

COTA LAUNCHING NEW BUS NETWORK ON MAY 1: CUSTOMERS RIDE FREE THE WEEK OF MAY 1-7 numbers beginning May 1.

Customers are encouraged to use the trip planner on COTA’s website at COTA.com/TSR to plan their new trip beginning on May 1. New schedules are also available online and are being distributed throughout the community.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is launching its redesigned bus network on May 1.

The Transit System Redesign (TSR) is a complete overhaul of COTA’s network that will provide simplified routes, increased frequency, connections to more places, service to more jobs, and reduced bus congestion downtown.

To celebrate the new system, ease the transition for current COTA customers, and encourage riders to try the new system, COTA service will be free May 1-7. will provide public transit to more people and more jobs in central Ohio,” Stitt said. “The new “As the central Ohio region has grown and COTA network will be easier to understand and changed over the last 40 years, bus service navigate, and will serve an unmet demand for has been added and removed, but we’ve never transit access seven days a week.” reviewed the system as a whole,” said W. Curtis Stitt, COTA President/CEO. “Our system map When the new COTA network launches, 100,000 today looks very similar to our network in 1974 more central Ohio residents will live within a when COTA began operations.” quarter-mile of high frequency (every 15 minutes or better) bus service. In addition, 110,000 more The new bus system will have twice as many jobs will be located within a quarter-mile of high high-frequency bus routes that arrive every 15 frequency COTA service. minutes or better on major streets. These simple, frequent, easy-to-understand routes form the “COTA’s new system will provide a solid backbone of the new COTA system. Also starting foundation of high-quality bus service that we May 1, COTA routes will operate on more can build on as our community grows,” Stitt said. consistent schedules seven days a week. Saturday service hours will increase by almost 50% and Signs have been placed at every bus stop in Sunday service hours will more than double.

COTA’s system notifying customers of the service changes that will occur on May 1. In most “We’re excited to launch the new network, which cases, customers will use new routes with new

A group of COTA employees will also serve as a street team traveling throughout the community in the weeks leading up to and following May 1.

Street team members will be easy to spot in red COTA shirts and jackets, and will be positioned at bus stops and on buses to remind customers about the changes coming, answer questions, provide directions and help plan new trips.

Over the last four months, all of the COTA bus stop signs in the region have been replaced with new signs and covered with a bag that communicates the current bus service information. On Sunday, April 30, the bags will be removed, and on Monday, May 1, COTA’s new system will be unveiled.

The new bus stop signs communicate what routes will serve each stop, and identify the frequency of each bus route. Routes that are red indicate frequent bus service that arrives every 15 minutes or better. Routes that are blue indicate standard bus service that arrives every 16-60 minutes.

Routes that are green indicate rush hour bus service that runs only during the morning and evening commute.

To learn more about the changes to COTA’s bus network coming on May 1, customers are encouraged to call (614) 308-4400 to speak with a customer service representative, or email questions to TSR@COTA.com.

MAXINE WATERS: ‘BILL O’REILLY NEEDS TO GO TO JAIL’ word she said. I was looking at the James Brown wig.”

By Rebecca Shapiro Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) responded to sexual harassment allegations against Fox News host Bill O’Reilly with condemnation, saying he “needs to go to jail.”

Hours later, Waters said she had nothing to say to O’Reilly, but she did make her feelings known.

“I am a strong black woman, and I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be undermined,” Waters said. “And I’d like to say to women out there everywhere: Don’t allow these right-wing talking heads, these dishonorable people, to intimidate you or scare you. Be who you are. Do what you do. And let us get on with discussing the real issues of this country.”

“It’s all catching up with Bill O’Reilly and that sexual harassment enterprise that they created over there at Fox,” Waters said Wednesday on MSNBC, referencing a New York Times investigative piece that brought to light some $13 million in sexual harassment lawsuit settlements that O’Reilly and Fox News have paid to women who had worked with the host.

“It shouldn’t be in America that you can sexually harass women and then buy your way out of it just because you’re rich,” Waters told MSNBC host Chris Hayes. “If they continue to do this in the way that they have done, they need to go to jail. Bill O’Reilly needs to go to jail.”

Since the Times investigation was published on Sunday, “The O’Reilly Factor” has lost more than 40 advertisers. O’Reilly denied the sexual harassment allegations in a statement

Trump on Wednesday defended O’Reilly, saying to the newspaper, saying his prominence made he didn’t think the TV host did anything wrong. him a target for lawsuits. Fox News said it was Waters said she was not surprised. “They are two working with sponsors to relocate advertising of a kind,” she said. from O’Reilly’s show to other programs.

Just last week, O’Reilly made headlines for his racist and sexist comment about Waters. During an appearance on “Fox and Friends,” O’Reilly responded to a clip of Waters calling out the bigoted behavior of some of President Donald Trump’s supporters by saying, “I didn’t hear a 33

Rebecca Shapiro is a Senior Editor at The Huffington Post, based in Hong Kong. Previously she has worked for Marie Claire and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” She is a graduate of the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California.

The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS

USING AND ORGANIZING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

By Cecil Jones, MBA Organizing Your Use of Social Media When you have not looked at social media for a couple of hours, do you believe that you are missing some important information? Are you constantly stopping what you are working: work, personal, school or other tasks to look at or respond to a posting on social media? Are you texting each hour that you are awake?

You may believe that by responding quickly to each posting or text that you receive shows that you are on top of it and that you are very productive. You are NOT. Doing a lot of multi-tasking or switching between tasks very frequently leads to poorer (not better) quality work and personal tasks (http://www. digitaltrends.com/health-fitness/multitaskinghurts-productivity-exhausted/). Multi-tasking and switching frequently between items can lead Getting Rid of Facebook and Twitter Postings to poor health and eating habits. It can lead to drinking extra cups of coffee or eating food with One approach to getting grips on your social unneeded carbohydrates and sugar. media usage is to back away from frequently using social media each day. In addition, review Help to Organize Your Social Media your previous postings and even delete some (or all) of the postings.

Do you find yourself logging on to multiple devices across multiple social media sites to After a period of time, we all may have postings get all of your ‘To Dos’? You can synchronize in our social media accounts that we would like your ‘To Dos’ with apps like Wunderlist (see to delete. To delete Facebook postings, go to wunderlist.com). You can access the same ‘To https://www.facebook.com/help/ and enter what Do’ list from your cell phone, tablet, computer you would like to do (example, ‘Delete wall or other web accessing device. Using multiple postings, etc.’). The instructions provided are social media locations like Pinterest and LinkedIn very direct and easy to understand. As you know, require a bit of thought on organizing, updating Facebook has a great user community with many and managing your postings over a period of postings on almost any topic related to Facebook time. of which you might want. The user community also describes how to do almost anything that you would like to do.

Images Posted on Social Media Sites With the image search feature on Google, the images that posted on your social media accounts, can be searched to see in which locations the images are also posted. The site that does the search is located at images.google.com and is easy to use. This image search feature can be used for many purposes.

Social Media can help when Organized and Useful The purpose of this column is to provide useful information and knowledge that you can use, today. If you have a technology question (how to get something done, what business, process or software solution might be available for your situation, etc.), please email the question or comment to the email address Admin@ Accelerationservices.net for a quick response.

Similarly, Twitter allows deletion of postings, even deletion of all of your postings. Of course, admin@accelerationservices.net before you click to delete all of your postings, be sure that is indeed what you want to do. After you www.accelerationservices.net delete all of your postings, you cannot retrieve them and get them back.

Having managed technology, communications and business functionality for multiple Fortune LinkedIn 100 companies, Cecil is a technology and management leader. He teaches technology, If you are looking for a new position or looking business and communications courses. He is a to attract new clients, you should review past president of many organizations including your LinkedIn profile to ensure that it looks BDPA (Technology group), and Columbus professional and that it is current. Potential Association of Black Journalists. He serves on recruiters will look at your LinkedIn profile. the Executive Committee of boards including Some potential customers will look at your Chairman of IMPACT Community Action site and postings before doing business with Agency. www.AccelerationServices.net you. Update your LinkedIn profile with the organization focused information that you want Cecil Jones MBA, ABD, PMP, CCP, SCPM, others to see.

FLMI, Lean Professional

The Columbus African American • April 2017

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS

THE BOTTOM LINE: THE POWER OF MBE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

By Iris Cooper, DBA The United States is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and races. Over the last century, the blending of socioeconomic groups has altered the norms and customs in our nation, thus infusing diversity in essentially all facets of life. A minority now means anyone of an ethnicity that is not Caucasian. According to U.S. Legal.com, a minority business enterprise (MBE) is a business organization that meets guidelines established under federal and states laws, (which vary by state), in order to participate in various public programs or contracts, providing previously inaccessible opportunities in business or government. For instance, Indiana legislators define a minority business enterprise as “an individual who is a United States citizen and owns and controls a business, or a partnership, corporation, or joint venture of any kind that is owned and controlled by United States citizens, which citizen or citizens are residents of this state and are members of one of the following economically disadvantaged groups: AfricanAmerican, Native Americans, HispanicAmerican, and Oriental/Asian-American”.

The term “economically disadvantaged” speaks to the conditions that undermine the probability of success in business, education, employment, healthcare, and government. These conditions, often rooted in senseless racism, create an unfair and unequal platform to pursue various aspects of the American dream. Note there is no mention of women, the differently abled, or other subsets of the U.S. population. However, the defining characteristic for an MBE vs. other designations is “economically disadvantaged.”

Those MBEs that penetrate the barriers in the business arena and reach a level of economic security must not forget to reflect on the conditions they conquered to succeed. Social entrepreneurs believe in pursuing the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits.

Stakeholders in and around the business

enterprise must remain strong to support business growth and sustainability. If MBE’s do not support and advocate for the people and planet (community), including affordable housing, healthcare, employment, or policies, the probability of demise will undoubtedly creep into the future.

Social entrepreneurs, or firms that support a mission or cause, align their business mission with a noble communal cause. For example, adopting a school can provide mentors for children needing encouragement in school and in life. Non-profits would appreciate free space in an office building to conserve operating capital. Repairing a playground or park near the business location will enhance the physical attributes of the neighborhood and endear the residents to the business. Glory Foods, Inc. supported African-American farmers by buying their produce and contributed to scholarships for minority agri-business students. Social entrepreneurs like Glory, must accept a longer timeframe of commitment; the path to success in business or in life is not completed overnight.

These examples of community engagement will lead to a restored sense of community pride and a closer relationship to business stakeholders.

Volunteerism and civic contribution must become a regular component of the business model, and not only at the end of the year for a tax deduction.

The gap between social responsibility and irresponsibility is dangerously wide and deep; if Black entrepreneurs do not fill the gaps in our communities with our talents, skills, and assets, then who will? MBE’s must also become engaged in the political process; those volunteers that advocate for social justice, safety, healthcare, and economic parity gain respect from customers, suppliers, and employees. In these perilous political times, unity is more important now than ever as we stand to lose immeasurably to the will of the selfish, rich, and racist. Let us collaborate with our community partners in 2017 to maximize our assets and skills, and strengthen our commitment to our people, planet, and profits.

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“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

President Barack Obama BIO: DR. IRIS ANN COOPER aka “JustAskIris!” (www.justaskiris.com) iris@justaskiris.com 614-750-1870 Iris Ann Cooper’s career includes leadership positions in financial services, economic development, community service, communication, government, entrepreneurship, and education.

She is the owner of “JustAskIris!” an entrepreneurial coaching firm. Iris founded Glory Foods, Inc., a multi-million dollar food marketing company. Iris is recognized nationally as a business strategy and branding expert, having coached many startups to sustainability. Her newest venture is Finish Your Gloryfied Business Plan Now!, a workshop to foster entrepreneurial success. Iris is the former Director of the Ohio Division of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, where Iris led the state from 29th worst place for small businesses in 2007 to the ninth best in the nation, and 1st in the Midwest in four years.

In 2015 Iris introduced the 2 nd version of “When the Devil is Beating His Wife, a Christian Perspective on Domestic Violence and Recovery” co-authored with Melanie Houston and available on Amazon and alabasterboxmedia.com. Iris is a featured writer and speaker on business topics, and an adjunct professor at Franklin University. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Indiana University Alumni Association, and Women for Economic Leadership and Development. Iris holds a BA in Journalism and an MBA in Marketing from Indiana University.

In 2016, she obtained her Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University, majoring in Entrepreneurship.

The American ColumbusNews African American • April 2017 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

COMMUNITYEVENTS April 8, 2017 Autism Outreach Workshop This workshop is designed to promote autism awareness. Learn about tactical practices and strategies for managing Autism.

This event is free and open to the public. Bring your children to participate in a special basketball camp. This event is sponsored by Emerging Autism Solutions. For more information call 614-4751678.

Location: New Covenant Believers Church Address: 3400 Kohr Blvd., 43224 Time: 10:00 AM - Noon Admission: Free Web: www.NCBChurch.org April 8-9, 2017 Soul Session: From Ray Charles to Whitney Houston “Soul Session: From Ray Charles to Whitney Houston” is part of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s “Swingin’ with the CJO” Subscription Series at the Southern Theatre. For tickets or for more information, visit the website below.

Location: Southern Theatre Address: 21 E. Main St, 43215 Time: Varies Admission: $25-$60 Web: www.ExperienceColumbus.com/event/soulsession April 11, 2017 Step Up to Diabetes Workshops and forums are designed to engage the community in dialogue about their understanding of the importance of taking personal responsibility for their health and well being. This event is sponsored by the Columbus Public Health - Office of Minority Health. For more information call 614-645-7335.

Location: Columbus Public Health Office Address: 240 Parsons Ave., 43215 Time: 11:00 AM Admission: Free Web: www.Columbus.gov/publichealth April 12, 2017 Backstage at the Lincoln: The Maroon Arts Group Join a collective of local artists using spoken word, movement. visual art and music to preserve and promote cultures of African descent. For tickets, visit the website below.

Location: Lincoln Theatre Address: 769 E. Long St, 43203 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: $10 per couple Web: www.LincolnTheatreColumbus.com

The Columbus African American •News AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015

April 12, 2017 Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs and Violence Awareness Event Community for New Direction will facilitate an event that will educate 11 - 18 year olds on the harms and dangers of substance abuse and violence. For more information call 614-272-1464.

Location: Community for New Direction Address: 993 E. Main St., 43205 Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.CNDOnline.org April 15, 2017 Office of Minority Health Workshops and Forums The Office of Minority Health at Columbus Public Health workshops and forums are designed to engaged the community in dialogue about their understanding of the importance of taking personal responsibility for their health and well-being. For more information call 614-6457335.

Location: Columbus Public Health Office Address: 240 Parsons Ave., 43215 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.Columbus.gov/publichealth April 20, 2017 Sister Conversations - A Conversation for Women of Color In this important conversation, we will strategize ways to shape the narrative around reproductive freedom in Ohio that ensures women of color have a voice and agency in this movement. This will be a space to voice your needs and concerns in order to create a healthier community.

For more information or to RSVP call 614-292-3922.

Location: OSU African American and African Studies Extension Center Address: 905 Mt. Vernon Ave., 43203 Time: 5:30 PM Social Time, 6:00 PM Conversation Admission: Free Web: www.SisterConversations.eventbrite.com April 22, 2017 Our Lives Matter: 8 Dimensions of Wellness for African American Moms This workshop is designed for new and expectant African American mothers. The trainings provide critical information to ensure the health and happiness of both mother and baby. Participants will receive free diapers and referrals for free baby bed. This event is sponsored by Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Inc. (MACC) For more information call 614-221-7841.

Location: Bethany Baptist Church Address: 959 Bulen Ave., 43206 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.BethanyBaptistColumbus.org

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COMMUNITYEVENTS April 22, 2017 Ella Fitzgerald 100th Birthday Celebration Concert Come celebrate the life of Ella Fitzgerald with a special concert series in honor of her 100th birthday. Local vocalist Laura Camara will be paying tribute to “The First Lady of Song” in a unique presentation that will span the entirety of Ella’s life and career. For tickets call 614-947-1520.

April 30, 2017 March for Babies March for Babies is the March of Dimes biggest fundraiser. The money raised supports the organization’s mission to improve the health of babies and prevent premature births. To register to walk or for more information call 614-231-7935.

Location: Genoa Park Address: 303 W. Broad St., 43215 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Admission: $25 Donation Web: www.MarchOfDimes.org

Location: Copious Notes Address: 520 S. High St., 43215 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: $15 - $25 Web: www.CopiousColumbus.com

May 2, 2017 Election Day Time to cast your ballots for the primary election in Franklin County.

To find a complete list of candidates and issues that will be on the ballot, visit the Franklin County Board of Elections website at www.

VoteFranklinCountyOhio.gov or call 614-523-3100.

April 25, 2017 Thanks Obama: Black Nerdy Hyper Turbo A comedy show featuring local comedians and artists doing an original show. They will cover hot button issues, current events and more. For more information or to purchase ticekts, call 614416-7625.

Location: Varies Address: Varies Time: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM Admission: Free Web: www.VoteFranklinCountyOhio.gov

Location: Backstage Bistro Address: 503 S. High St.- Suite 260, 43215 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: $5 Web: www.ShadowBoxLive.org

May 5, 2017 Mother’s Day Jazz Soiree Are you looking for something special to do for your mother this year?

Take her to a special jazz soiree with musical artists Priscilla Woodson.

This event is sponsored by the Single’s Ministry at New Birth Christian Ministry. For more information or for tickets call 614-236-9080.

April 27, 2017 H2Co Violence Intervention Program This program is designed to provide an enriching and culturally competent training and networking opportunity for youth, volunteers and professionals working toward the prevention of violence and other destructive behaviors as well as integrating such prevention efforts with local community leaders. For more information call 614-323-8911.

Location: New Birth Christian Ministry Address: 3475 Refugee Road Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: $15 Web: www.NewBirthCM.org

Location: LeaderSpark, Inc. Address: 1336 E. Main St., 43205 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.LeaderSpark.org

May 20, 2017 King Arts Complex: 30th Anniversary Gala Come out and celebrate a milestone with the King Arts Complex at their 30th Anniversary Gala. This year’s musical guest will be multi-platinum award winning R&B group Dru Hill and DJ Spinderella of the group Salt & Pepa. For tickets visit the website below.

April 28, 2017 COSI - Family Friday Night COSI offers extended hours and reduced admission prices to families so they can visit, learn and play late. For more information about exhibits, special packages and more, call 614228-2674.

Location: Hilton Downtown Columbus Address: 401 N. High Street, 43215 Time: 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Admission: $100 General, $200 VIP Web: www.KingArtsComplex.com

Location: COSI Address: 333 W. Broad St., 43215 Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: $11 Web: www.COSI.org

Please note: Information for this section is gathered from multiple commnuity sources. The Columbus African American is not responsible for the accuracy and content of information. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. If you have an event that you would like to feature in this section, please call 614-3404891 or email us at editor@columbusafricanamerican.com. Submissions are due the last Friday of each month.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American • April 2017

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AARP Ohio Jenkins Terrace Isabelle Ridgeway Care Center Summit’s Trace Wexner Heritage Village STATE, COUNTY & CITY DEPARTMENTS ADAMH of Franklin County Columbus Health Department COWIC Dept. Jobs & Family Services Franklin County Children Services Ohio Dept. of Transportation MISCELLANEOUS Dollar General (Broad & Main) All Neighborhood Health Centers King Arts Complex Homeport C.D. White Funeral Home

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St. Paul AME Church St. Phillip`s Episcopal Church St. Philip Lutheran Church Southfield Missionary Baptist Church Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church Spring Hill Baptist Church Tabernacle Baptist Church Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church Trinity Baptist Church Union Grove Baptist Church Vineyard Columbus

• AprilJournal 2017 • February 2015 The Columbus African American News

SENIOR CARE ORGANIZATIONS

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Canal Winchester YMCA E.E. Ward Family YMCA Hilltop YMCA North YMCA Barnett Recreation Center Beatty Recreation Center Driving Park Recreation Center Marion Franklin Recreation Center

Caliman Funeral Home Mt. Carmel Hospital East & West 22 Newstands Downtown

There are no routine heart or vascular diseases.

And this is no routine heart hospital. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is home to central Ohio’s only heart hospital ranked “Best” by U.S. News & World Report. At the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, our dedicated team of cardiologists, heart specialists and surgeons works side-by-side with researchers who are leading more than 200 studies to treat and prevent heart and vascular disease. Each year, our physician and research teams lead national studies on new lifesaving devices, medications and procedures that are improving lives, extending time with loved ones and offering hope against heart disease.

Stopping the number one killer of Americans is no easy task. That’s why care at the Ross Heart Hospital is anything but routine.

Learn more at wexnermedical.osu.edu/osuheart.

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Columbus African American The ColumbusThe African American News Journal • October February2016 2015

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015