How can clinicians help address existing health disparities and add to positive outcomes for young African-American men? The authors argue that, first, advocacy efforts are needed for public health and social supports to achieve health improvements at scale. Second, the advantages medical care can provide – such as reducing disparities in HIV, cardiovascular disease, and mental health – should be strengthened.
- The effect of mass incarceration on employment, voting, housing, and health is profound and still poorly understood.
- Funding overwhelmingly favors health care over social supports, yet the traditional health care model is limited in its ability to help African-American boys and men.
- Health care practitioners, together with partners, must develop the capacity to recognize and address social determinants of health and be funded to do so.
- Making care environments more male-friendly and father-friendly is essential.
- Newer methods of health care communication, such as texting, are desired by men and should be offered.
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- Journal of the American Medical Association