Black Men's Health Focus of June 10th SBBS & June 6 Testimony by Ambrose Lane Jr, founder, Health Alliance Network

6/6/25
Testimony in Support of Addressing Black Men’s Health Disparities in the District of Columbia
Good morning, Chairperson Henderson and members of the committee. My name is Ambrose Lane Jr., Chair of the Health Alliance Network. I’ve come before the Committee on health on numerous occasions advocating for better health outcomes for the Black residents. I come before you today to urge the Council to take a strong position in support of Addressing the glaring chronic health and social determinant disparities faced by Black Men in the District of Columbia. 

The data are clear and alarming: Black men in the District of Columbia face stark disparities in nearly every major health and social determinant category. They have higher rates of diabetes, colon cancer, and prostate cancer; they experience a disproportionate share of opioid-related deaths; they are overrepresented in the homeless population and face an unemployment rate 2–3 times higher than White men. Black men also account for the overwhelming majority of the local jail population, reflecting systemic inequities that underlie health outcomes.

The Health Alliance Network and Million Man Vote request that the following actions be considered and/or taken:

1)    That the Council Committee on Health initiate a “Sense of the Council Resolution” recognizing the disparities that Black Men face, calling on the Executive Branch to address these disparities, and committing to future Council action on these disparities to reduce their cost to the District of Columbia and improving the health and lives of Black Men.

2)    That the DC Council use its authority to create an Office of Men’s Health within DC Health, allocating $2.25 million dollars for two years.  This office would be charged with conducting research on the cost of these disparities, best practices for addressing and correcting these disparities, and providing substantial outreach and programming to rach Black Men where they are.

3)    As an alternative to creating an Office of Men’s Health, that the Council make a formal request to the Chair of the Opioid Abatement Commission, to consider allocating $2.25 million dollars to either fund an Office of Men’s Health OR, to fund grants and contracts to achieve the same outcomes, providing the community with the opportunity to address these disparities.
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4)    That the DC Council, using the example of the DC Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, ask a specific agency or independent body, to research and ascertain the total cost to the District of Columbia fiscal budget, of the social determinant, chronic disease, substance use disorder and mental health disparities and inequities of Black Men, through a Return On Investment approach.

This is a Call to Action.  These statistics are more than numbers; they represent lives cut short and communities in distress. We must address these challenges with a coordinated strategy.

An Office of Men’s Health within DC Health would focus on targeted interventions—expanding primary care access, facilitating early disease screenings, connecting mental health and substance use services, and engaging community partners to address root causes of homelessness and incarceration. By consolidating resources and expertise, this office can reduce fragmentation and ensure that programs are culturally competent, and results driven.

Investing in the health of men, especially men of color, will pay dividends across the city—leading to decreased healthcare costs, reduced strain on our criminal justice system, and stronger, healthier communities.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I respectfully request your support for this critical initiative.

For additional information, Ambrose Lane, Jr can be reached at 202.374.6226 or at [email protected]

Ayo's Note:  Brother Ambrose Lane, Jr.  needs our continued prayers as he himself is facing a health challenge, as well as Dr. Winston Kokayi Patterson, pictured above with his sons, Nuri and Lil Kokayi (Kai). .  Let us support them and all of our Black Men and Health advocates who face tremendous challenges  while helping our community maintain their health.   The below check list was focused on the selection but is most appropriate to bring up now, during these very chaotic days, still affecting our brothers AND sisters.  - Sekou Ayo...Breathe better, live better.