Meharry, others address Black men’s health

By Clint Confehr Mason Cornwell stands with his mother, Adrienne Cornwell at Meharry Medical College’s mural on Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard. They’re from Cincinnati. Mason aspires to become a dentist. Photo courtesy of Majornette Jefferson By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — Physicians and their allies across America are working to improve the health of Black men through better treatment, research and education. This important work is supported by institutions including Meharry Medical College, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Black Men’s Health Project, Heal90, and many other medical professionals. Studies have found Black men’s health care is better when African American doctors treat them, experts told The Tennessee Tribune. With the goal of increasing workforce diversity, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Meharry. It’s a significant step, Meharry President Dr. James E.K. Hildreth said. “Most of the people” making America’s health policy decisions “do not look like us,” Hildreth said during a May 30 signing ceremony on campus. Dr. Kevin Billups The MOU is a step toward giving Meharrians an opportunity to affect health policy. Dr. Kevin Billups, director of Meharry’s Men’s Health Program, advocates lifestyle changes over pharmaceutical...