The Health of Young African American Men

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. Tweet
• 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. Tweet
• Health care practitioners, together with partners, must develop the capacity to recognize and address social determinants of health and be funded to do so. Tweet
• Making care environments more male-friendly and father-friendly is essential. Tweet
• Newer methods of health care communication, such as texting, are desired by men and should be offered. Tweet