Historic Collaboration between Men of Zion, Health Ministry of The A.M.E. Zion Church, and The Prostate Health Education Network

Churches: Sign up for free access to resources from the Prostate Health Education Network https://phenchurch.org/amezion/.

On January 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C., under the leadership of Bishop Darryl B. Starnes Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Piedmont Episcopal District of The A.M.E. Zion Church, and in the presence of Bishop Dwayne A. Walker (Alabama-Florida District) and Retired Bishop Michael A. Frencher Sr., a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Presiding Elder Scot Moore, Director of Men of Zion of The A.M.E. Zion Church; Dr. Yabo Beysolow, Director of the Health Ministry of The A.M.E. Zion Church; and Reverend Adrian Backus, Director of Church Partnerships and Outreach for the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), a leading advocacy organization that focuses on patient education and initiatives nationwide regarding prostate health and prostate cancer.

The signing took place during PHEN’s Charlotte Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally at the Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, N.C., hosted by Reverend Dr. Derrill A. Blue, Pastor of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church, along with its members. PHEN, established in 2003 by Thomas A. Farrington, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating prostate cancer disparities among Black men. The Disparity Rally featured a screening and an event aimed at informing men in the community about their prostate cancer risk, along with an awareness event that included prostate cancer survivors and prostate cancer treatment specialists.

What does this collaboration mean for The A.M.E. Zion Church?

Through this strategic partnership, A.M.E. Zion congregations and communities around the world can benefit from the education and awareness opportunities offered by PHEN. With a mission focused on addressing the racial disparity in prostate cancer, PHEN's programs and initiatives include patient education and awareness webcasts and webinars. It also has a unique partnership with Churches that provides screening and testing opportunities and access to life-saving diagnosis and treatment options. PHEN will also engage in A.M.E. Zion Conferences and events throughout the U.S.

The mission of the Health Ministry of The A.M.E. Zion Church is to increase awareness about health conditions that impact our communities, increase health literacy and self-advocacy, and decrease health disparities. The mission of Men of Zion is to engage, equip, and empower all men to maximize their potential with an emphasis on health, wellness, and wholeness.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward ending prostate cancer in African American men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, excluding skin cancer.

African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to other men, are more than twice as likely to die from it, tend to be diagnosed at a younger age, and generally have more advanced disease when it is detected.

How can your church sign up to receive access to this vital information? https://phenchurch.org/amezion/. Share these valuable resources with your congregation and community!

Resources

· Learn more about prostate cancer: signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options in our first article in this series: "Prostate Health and Prostate Cancer – Get the Facts" at Star of Zion

· Learn more about PHEN and view all their educational resources at  https://www.prostatehealthed.org/page.php?id=99

· Watch a video from Bishop Darry B. Starnes encouraging all men to get tested and screened for prostate cancer: https://phentv.com/aiovg_videos/bishop-darryl-starnes-urges-black-men-to-seek-early-detection-to-put-an-end-to-the-prostate-cancer-racial-disparity/. Taking part in PHEN’s Charlotte Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally, Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., the Presiding Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District of The A.M.E. Zion Church, recorded a video highlighting the importance of early prostate cancer detection.

· Watch a video of the Charlotte Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally at https://phentv.com/prostate-cancer-education-for-african-american-men/community-rally/charlotte-nc/