CHAMPIONING COMMUNITY HEALTH: 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc. members following their Worship & Wellness Workshop. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE 100

The 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc. (The 100) and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Company partnered this past weekend to host health awareness programming across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

The workshop, dubbed Clinical Research & Me, was held at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Miami. More than 120 parishioners participated in the program which consisted of a Sunday service, educational workshop, and healthy brunch. Attendees primarily consisted of City of Miami and greater Miami-Dade County residents.

"Increasing diversity in clinical trials is important because it helps make sure medical treatments are safe and effective for everyone,” noted José Raúl López de Victoria Martínez, Community Clinical Navigator for Inside Edge Consulting Group.

“When clinical trials are representative – meaning they include people of different races, genders, ages, and health conditions – they better reflect the real-world population."

In the past, many research studies left out certain groups, often resulting in marketplace treatments that are not effective for the majority of the population. including more diverse participants in drug and medical device studies can improve health outcomes for all and ensure all people can benefit from advances in medicine.

"The church is hosting this program (with The 100) because it has always been a trusted anchor in the community, particularly in underserved populations,” said Pastor Reginald Jackson III, senior pastor of St. Paul A.M.E.

“By offering this program, the church is fulfilling its prophetic and pastoral role to promote spiritual and physical well-being … promoting health education and equitable research aligns with the biblical call to care for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and reflects the church’s commitment to justice, healing, and community empowerment."

Chartered on June 24, 1989, The 100 is a South Florida nonprofit composed of men across a spectrum of professional fields with a shared vision of improving the quality of life for African Americans and minority groups through mentoring.

One of the major initiatives of the 100 Black Men of South Florida is to promote health and wellness within Black and Brown communities. Its partners include Simply Health, Inside Edge Consulting Group, and other health agencies committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and general wellness across the tri-counties.

"People need reliable information to make informed health decisions,” said Dr. Pierre Rutledge, 100 Black Men of South Florida president. “Education is the key to prevention, advocacy, and better quality of life."

Over the next year The 100 plan to continue to host health awareness programs and fitness activities across South Florida to promote its Health & Wellness Initiative.