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Morris L. Overstreet, Esq, President
2009-2010
Greetings and welcome to the official website of the Auxiliary to the National Medical Association, Incorporated (ANMA). I am honored to serve as the 71st President of the ANMA. I also look forward to working with all to advance the objectives of the ANMA.
This period represents an exciting, yet challenging opportunity for the ANMA. It is a time in which we can and should advance our objectives of:
- creating greater interest in the National Medical Association
- aiding and encouraging the Medical Profession in its effort to educate and serve the public in matters of health
- developing and promoting a national program on health, education, and legislation.
Our past auxiliary presidents developed outstanding programs that confronted some of the most pressing health issues of the time. The auxiliary has promoted themes such as, “Striving to Beat the Odds: The African American Men’s Health Challenge”, “Advancing Health, Enterprise and the American Dream: Project Ahead”, “Promoting Health Care through Opportunity, Prevention and Education: Project Hope”, and “Advancing the Physical, Mental, Spiritual and Financial Health of African Americans. The outstanding programs developed from these themes have had a significant impact on our communities. Because our programs have had a positive effect on the communities in which we serve, we shall continue to implement them.
During my 2009-2010 Presidential tenure, I intend to focus on “Reducing Health Disparities through Physical Fitness and Proper Nutrition” by implementing a program that focuses on nutrition and exercise. There is much data about the health disparities of the African American population and how they are disproportionately impacted by the early onset of Type II diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, and numerous other health concerns directly attributable to obesity and genetic predispositions. As President-Elect, I reached out to such entities as: American Dietetic Association, President’s Office of Physical Fitness, the National Institute of Health, the World Health Organization, W.K. Kellogg Company, United States Department of Agriculture, Dr. Ian Smith, Chair of the 50,000,000 Pound Challenge, and a host of others. As President, I am extending that reach.
Please join with me and the ANMA in supporting a changing of the tide in the area of health disparities.
The 2009-2010 program will focus on education and development of lifestyle changes to combat the devastating outcomes that haunt African Americans. The program encompasses, but is not limited to the following:
Identifying the risk factors
- Educating the community through symposiums and community forums
- Identifying health professionals who can provide follow-up once a risk factor is determined
- Providing a guide to healthy living for African Americans to enable them to address these challenges
- Supporting health care legislations addressing issues affecting the African American community.
Local and State Auxiliaries are strongly encouraged to provide year-long health education programs in their communities that will address the health challenges that greatly affect African Americans. In addition, I want the ANMA to confront the issues of Diabetes and Obesity. Obesity has been recognized as one of the leading health care issues in our country today. Obesity is a contributing risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. We must do whatever it takes to reduce the impact on our communities. We will collaborate with The National Medical Association on these initiatives. Together we can make a difference. May health, wealth, and happiness be with you.
Morris L. Overstreet, Esq
President
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