The American Cancer Society has partnered with international recording artist and poet, Michael “MIKE-E” Ellison to produce a public service announcement (PSA) entitled Learn. Speak. Act. With 24 percent of African Americans living below the poverty line, and 21 percent lacking health insurance, the high-energy, hard-hitting spots draw attention to the need for quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Currently, 47 million people in America are without health insurance and millions more have inadequate health coverage, and may be just one illness, injury or missed paycheck away from financial ruin.
The issue of inadequate access to health care has been the focus of a major public awareness campaign that the Society launched in the fall of 2007. Research has shown that lack of adequate health insurance coverage is associated with less access to care and poorer outcomes for cancer patients. Enabling more African Americans to get necessary cancer screenings is critical, as African Americans are more likely than whites to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, and less likely than whites to survive five years after diagnosis for most cancers at all stages of diagnosis. The PSA featuring MIKE-E is an effort to raise awareness of the issue among African Americans.
“While lack of access to health care is an issue that affects all Americans, it is particularly of concern in the African American community where it is one important factor in lower screening rates,” said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer, American Cancer Society. “We’ve worked with MIKE-E in the past to encourage young African Americans attending our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities not to smoke. We felt that his passion and unique style could help us reach a broader African American audience to raise awareness of the importance of access to quality, affordable health care.”
Rooted in the fundamental principles of knowledge-based empowerment, the public awareness campaign, Learn. Speak. Act., provides a clear call to action, mixing traditional African drums with modern spoken word. During the week of May 5, 2008, the Society will begin distribution of the 30- and 60- second PSAs to national and local television outlets with large African American viewerships.
The spot will also be available for viewing on www.cancer.org.
“After witnessing my aunt’s battle with cancer, and having known and encountered so many people who are affected by this issue, I felt compelled to address the issue,” said MIKE-E. “The American Cancer Society is a leader in the fight to eliminate cancer, and I’m honored to contribute to their efforts.”
