Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Hub Opens

Shown at the ribbon cutting L-R are Dr. J. Crooks, Emelina Asto-Flores, Shaina Flynn, A.J. Merriweather, Dr. Folakemi T. Odedina, Vermille Smith, Dr. Cheryl Willman, Cassandra Smalls and Dr. Floyd Willis.
For two years, UFHealth, Mayo Clinic, American Legion Post 197, Protalks, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, PHEN Network and Florida Blue have collaborated to bring prostate cancer awareness health seminars, workshops and events to the urban core community.  These health care initiatives have culminated into a veteran’s community healthcare hub on the Northside to engage, support and promote healthcare advocacy to the men in the surrounding communities.

To celebrate the grand opening, local dignitaries, veterans, and friends of the community attended the ribbon cutting for the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRe) Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and American Legion Post Urban Healthcare hub.

The program included prostate cancer survivors sharing their health care testimonials, a catered lunch and worldwide community partners that have supported the program since its inception. Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Floyd Willis and Dr. Folakemi T. Odedina, Global Equity Health Director addressed the audience on Black men’s health disparities and the pride of opening a healthcare hub in the urban core.

“We are excited to work with the Post and inform the community of prostate health awareness. Today’s program reached black men from the USA to Africa,” said Dr. Odedina.

The healthcare hub will be ready for their first client in November.  The hub is funded through a Department of Defense grant providing funding to address prostate cancer in Black communities globally and provide the opportunity to understand the interplay of social and biological detriments of health.

To find out more contact the American Legion Post 197 at (904) 768-1206

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