MOCHA

(Men of Color Health Awareness)

Springfield, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has awarded community collaboration with a grant of $250,000 to reduce the health disparities among men of color in the City of Springfield.

Based upon a 2007 report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Blacks and Latinos, men and women, suffer from higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, violence, obesity, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, substance abuse, asthma and pre-mature mortality (death before 75) than the overall state averages and their White counterparts.  A community-wide initiative to reduce these health disparities among men of color was developed in collaboration with:  Black Leadership Alliance, Black Men of Greater Springfield, Caring Health Center, City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, Community Health Centers – Baystate Medical Center, Greater Springfield Pro-Am Basketball League, Jewish Family Service, Mason Square Health Task Force, Mason Square Vet Outreach Center, Men’s Resources International, Partners for a Healthier Community, Inc., New North Citizens Council, North End Campus Coalition, South End Community Center, Tapestry, TSM Design, Western Massachusetts Center for Healthy Communities and YMCA of Greater Springfield, Inc. (lead agency).

This effort known as MOCHA, which is an acronym for Men of Color Health Awareness, was developed in concert with a focus group of more than seventy-five (75) men of color, ranging in age from 18 to 71. MOCHA will provide a concrete health and wellness curriculum that seeks to supports healthy lifestyles through a lens of positive manhood.  This community-based program will begin on July 1, 2010 and continue thereafter for a period of two years. The ultimate goal of MOCHA is to improve of the health and spiritual well-being of more 500 men of color and loved ones.

Helen R. Caulton Harris, Director of the Division of Health and Human Services for the City of Springfield, says:  “The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to be a partner with the YMCA, and its many community partners, in this effort to mobilize men of color to live healthy lifestyles.  This initiative is critical because it serves as a catalyst for behavior changes that will prolong the lives of men of color.”