African-American Media Resources
ShareCompartir
The needs of African-American journalists are often community-driven, just like the health issues facing African-Americans. CDC recognizes that you need quick access to credible information on how issues like HIV, diabetes, and obesity are affecting your readers. The African-American Media Resources page is designed to provide credible health information and helpful links for African-American media outlets, as well as mainstream media that reach audiences of color. Here you will find up-to-date story ideas with African-American readers in mind; biographies of African-American experts at CDC; and links to other sources of health information. You can also find free, ready-to-print articles on health issues affecting African Americans.
Featured Formatted Article
CDC's formatted articles are free, ready-to-print articles on a variety of health issues. Check back for new featured articles and visit our main formatted articles page for more information.
African-American Women and Their Babies at a Higher Risk for Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Preterm, or premature, delivery is the most frequent cause of infant mortality, accounting for more than one third of all infant deaths during the first year of life. The infant mortality rate among black infants is 2.4 times higher than that of white infants, primarily due to preterm birth. In the United States, the risk of preterm birth for Non-Hispanic black women is approximately 1.5 times the rate seen in white women.
African-American Story Ideas
Know the facts: Black women die from breast cancer more often than whites expanded
The rate of women getting or dying from breast cancer varies by race. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second most common cause of cancer deaths among black women. At the time of diagnosis, blacks more often present with a higher stage of cancer. Although the death rate for breast cancer has declined over the past 20 years, the rate of decline has been slower for blacks. Black women are 1.4 times more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Compared to whites, blacks have a lower rate of cancer survival for each stage of breast cancer at diagnosis. These differences have been partially explained by differences in types of tumors and access to treatment services.
All women are at risk for breast cancer, but getting regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms, an X-ray of the breast, are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has established the following guidelines for screening, but you should discuss how often you should get screened with your doctor:
If you are age 50 to 74 years, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are age 40–49 years, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a screening mammogram.
CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States. Let your readers know they can search for free and low-cost screenings in their state!
Breathe Easier When You Know More About Asthma collapsed
Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans has, or has had asthma at some point in their lives? Most people don't die from asthma, but there is concern for African Americans because asthma is more likely to cause death. The reason for this disparity is not known. But there are asthma control techniques to help people manage their condition successfully. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this important advice to everyone with asthma—have an asthma action plan and exercise it. The CDC has a variety of information that patients and health-care providers can use to control asthma.Take Time to Save Your Life: Get Screened for Breast and Cervical Cancer Early collapsed
The Power to Prevent and Control Diabetes is in Our Hands collapsed
Hepatitis C: Know. Prevent. Educate. collapsed
Keeping it in the Family collapsed
HIV: Know Your Status, Get Tested collapsed
Add Years, Gain Life, Lose Weight collapsed
Additional Resources
CDC Newsroom Resources
- African-American Experts & Leaders
- Hookup to Health – Sign up to receive e-mail updates when important information is released.
- Formatted Articles – Free, ready-to-print articles on a variety of health topics
CDC African-American Health Resources
- 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu and African American Communities
- NCHS Fastats – Health of Black or African-American Population
- Black or African-American Populations – Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Website
- Health Disparities in HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB
- Health Disparities & Minority Health Conferences and Events
- HIV and African-American Women (Information for TV Writers & Producers)
- Minority Health Topics
- National MRSA Education Initiative
- STD Health Disparities
- Vaccine/Immunization Information for Racial & Ethnic Populations
Other Government African-American Health Resources
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Page last reviewed: July 25, 2012
- Page last updated: July 25, 2012
- Content source: