As a Level One partner in the national campaign, the BSC entities are encouraging area residents to take someone to see a health professional or to make an appointment to see a health professional. The “Take a Loved One” campaign is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Closing the Health Gap” program. This program targets African Americans, due to the health gap that exists. For example, African American babies are dying at twice the rate of non-African American babies. Additionally, African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from cancer or heart disease than are Whites.

“Despite these grim statistics, there is something we can do about it,” noted Dr. Bernadette Dragich, BSC Professor of Nursing. “It is as simple as going for regular health check ups. It is much easier and less costly to prevent an illness than treat it. It is also much easier to stay healthy than to be sick.”

“For individuals without health insurance, local community health centers offer free or low cost screenings and care,” she continued. “Individuals covered by health insurance are encouraged to use it and make an appointment. ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day’ can be a very powerful and effective way to encourage someone you care about to take steps to a healthier life.”

September 9, 2002