The first - ever "AFRICAN AMERICAN PROSTATE CANCER DISPARITY SUMMIT" was hosted by the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), in cooperation with Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), September 19th & 20th, in Washington, DC in the Rayburn House Congressional Building. Twenty - five medical specialist, advocates, survivors and government officials presented during the two day summit with an attendance of approximately 200.



The summit was hailed by all as an important and successful historic event and it was agreed to make the summit an annual event.



The Power of this Summit was that it connected leaders within the Black community, medical field, and government. Each of these sectors are crucial in working towards eliminating the healthcare disparity that threatens the well-being of so many Black men. The consensus of the presenters was that, with today's technology and treatments, "EARLY DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER" is the best approach to reducing the 140% racial mortality disparity that plagues Black men in this country.



The summit consisted of four primary sessions over the two day period. These sessions were:



**UNDERSTANDING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN DISPARITY



**EFFECTIVE GRASSROOTS / COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES



**NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES AIMED AT REDUCING THE DISPARITY



**NEW TREATMENTS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND APPROACHES THAT CAN IMPACT REDUCING THE DISPARITY



Dr. Richard N. Atkins, CEO, National Prostate Cancer Coalition, was the luncheon speaker for the summit's first day.



Senator Kerry and Representative Meeks spoke during the summit's second day.



PHEN also presented its plans and strategies to build education and awareness capacity as a nationwide resourse base, working within communities across the country.