News Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 12, 2004 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343 |
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Launches Third Annual "Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day"
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the kick off of this year's HHS-ABC Radio Networks campaign, "Take a Loved One To the Doctor Day." The campaign is designed to reduce health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities by encouraging individuals to go to a doctor or health professional for a health screening.
Joining with Secretary Thompson to lead the effort for the third year is Chairperson Tom Joyner, nationally syndicated radio personality and host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Designated as Sept. 21, 2004, "Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" will rally minority consumers to visit a doctor, nurse or other health professional or make an appointment to see a health professional. The campaign is part of "Closing the Health Gap," an ongoing campaign partnership that combines HHS' medical expertise with the broadcast resources of ABC Radio Networks and the efforts of hundreds of national and community-based organizations.
"Because of Doctor Day, thousands of Americans are showing their family, friends and colleagues how much they care by taking someone to the doctor. This one preventive measure can help add years to your life," Secretary Thompson said. "Preventable diseases take a terrible toll on our nation, especially in minority communities. Doctor Day is about bringing people to health care early, when diseases can be prevented or treated successfully. It is also about creating awareness, providing information and motivating Americans to make healthier lifestyle choices."
"Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" is designed to encourage minority communities to become more involved in their health care and health choices by working with local organizations and ABC Radio Networks' 240 urban affiliates to help set up appointments with health care professionals and to accompany them on visits to the doctor. The campaign also focuses on linking the government's extensive health information resources directly to minority consumers to help put knowledge to better use.
"We must be willing to take the lead in the health matters that affects us and those we love and it can begin with a visit to the doctor, Tom Joyner said. "We can each play a role in making our health a priority in our lives. As national chairperson, I am honored to play a role in helping to spread the message of good health across the country."
HHS and ABC Radio hope to encourage hundreds of fraternal, social, religious, health and community-based organizations, local health departments, and radio stations to once again take part in "Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" by organizing screenings, health fairs, and other events promoting health and wellness. Last year, 500 national and local organizations signed on as partners.
Launched in November 2001, the "Closing the Health Gap" campaign was co-founded by HHS and ABC Radio's Urban Advantage Network, which reaches more than 19 million listeners each week, with civic organizations and community groups across the United States in an effort to reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities by encouraging individuals to take charge of their personal health. The program's goal is to inform, educate, challenge and empower minority populations to change behaviors through providing lifestyle tips, and information on local sources of health care and public health programs.
HHS has made eliminating health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority populations a critical goal of Healthy People 2010 and one of Secretary Thompson's priorities for the Department.
ABC Radio Networks has more than 4,800 affiliate radio stations reaching 158 million listeners age 12 and older each week. The Tom Joyner Show can be heard daily on 119 of 240 ABC Radio Urban Advantage Network affiliates and around the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service. ABC Radio Urban Advantage Network reaches 19 million African-Americans weekly.
HHS has set up a toll-free number and Web site for people interested in "Closing the Health Gap" and "Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" campaign information and materials, including a tool kit to help communities organize local health events. The number is 1-800-444-6472, and the Web site is www.healthgap.omhrc.gov.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Last Revised: July 12, 2004
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