Members of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) will stand with prostate cancer survivors and their families in churches across the country on Father?s Day in support of PHEN's Father?s Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer. Representative Joe Armstrong (TN), chair of NBCSL?s Health and Human Services Policy Committee and president-elect of the organization, said, ?NBCSL has partnered with PHEN over the years to better understand the prostate cancer crisis in Black America so we could be more effective advocates. Taking part in the Father?s Day Rally will help raise awareness about an issue that is ravaging not only our men but our communities.? President-Elect Armstrong passed groundbreaking legislation in Tennessee that funded the Men?s Health Network within its Department of Health and Human Services and mandated prostate cancer screenings. NBCSL as a whole has been committed to this issue, having adopted a resolution (HHS-08-23) in December of 2007 calling for increased support for education, awareness, and early detection of prostate cancer among black men. Several NBCSL members have passed legislation related to prostate cancer prevention and treatment. NBCSL President, Representative Barbara W. Ballard (KS), stated, ?The prostate cancer racial disparity is one of the most glaring disparities, one that is often preventable, and, therefore, one we must aggressively address as policymakers and as community leaders. We are pleased to stand with PHEN in support of our constituents that are suffering from this terrible disease. By working together and supporting one another ? we can overcome prostate cancer.? (Representative Ballard is pictured above) The Father?s Day Rally takes place during regular worship services. Participating churches will recognize the prostate cancer survivors within their congregations and their loved ones. The 2011 Rally theme is ?Joining Hands in Prayer and Action to Save Lives.? As congregants join hands, a special prayer of love and healing will be offered for all. ?We are thankful to have the active involvement of NBCSL members in our Father?s Day Rally. Cancer is a health, economic, and political issue. We need the full understanding and participation of our political leaders in efforts to eliminate the African American prostate cancer crisis,? stated PHEN President Thomas Farrington. The Father?s Day Rally will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2011, in participating churches. All churches across the country are invited and can register on PHEN?s website www.RAPCancer.org. About NBCSL (National Black Caucus of State Legislators): NBCSL is a membership association representing over 600 African American state legislators from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of all racial backgrounds. NBCSL tracks legislation at all levels of government and actively monitors state and federal policy initiatives to provide its members with important information. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. The organization focuses on U.S. domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans. Learn more at www.nbcsl.org.