February 2014 Newsletter
Mind, Body, Spirit Connection
I am excited that we will be joining others across this nation who will be
focusing on the ways we can make health and wellness a lived expression of
our faith. We must do all we can to ensure that everyone in this nation has
access to good health care and that we each make the best personal choices.
–
REV. DR. FREDERICK D. HAYNES, Chairman SDPC & Sr. Pastor,
Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
“ herefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies
T
as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
– Romans 12:1 (NIV)
T
he three leading causes of death of African
Americans are heart disease, hypertension
and stroke. African Americans have the highest
mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for
all cancers combined, including stomach, liver,
prostate, and colon cancers. African American
women are 40 percent more likely to die from
breast cancer, and African Americans have the
highest mortality rate
but especially the poor. States with some of the
most impoverished urban cities, have rejected
what they have tagged “Obamacare.”
“The economic argument is completely
overwhelming for the big cities,” says Anne
Dunkelberg of the Center for Public Policy
Priorities in Texas. “They’re paying 100 percent
local tax dollars instead of getting 100 percent
federal funding.” By their political might, they are
The ability to manage our health and wellness is preventing expanded opportunity for health and
dependent upon access to quality healthcare, along wellness services to millions of African Americans.
with understanding that our conscious choices
matter! That is why the Affordable Care Act So we will press on and continue the struggle,
(ACA) is so important to the African American demanding justice and equality, equal access to
health care and greater attention to our wellness of
community.
mind, body and spirit.
Through the ACA, nearly 7 million uninsured
African American individuals and families will God’s gift to us is life. Our gift back to God is
have new opportunities for affordable health what we do with it. Let’s create a faith driven
insurance coverage and opportunities for greater movement to Live Well, as God would have
control over their overall health and wellness. us to do. Let’s take this journey together, one
Nearly half of these uninsured are young adults day at a time.
between the ages of 18 to 35 who have been locked
out of preventive and quality health care services.
86 million
Additionally, the elderly, disabled, and children
In 2011, provisions in the
Affordable Care Act helped
will now have access to prevention and treatment
approximately 86 million
services, of which many have no cost sharing.
people access free preventive
While all will benefit from the ACA, let us be
reminded of what Frederick Douglas said, “justice
does not come without a struggle and demand.”
Twenty-five Republican-controlled states have
announced that they will not participate in the
ACA, which was designed to help all of America
services like annual wellness
exams, cancer screenings, and
flu shots
www.whitehouse.gov
Is your state participating?
To see the map – www.sdpconference.info/livingwell
You’re Committed to
Healthier Communities.
So are we.