Golf tournament to benefit African-American male wellness held in Canal Winchester

Organizers with the African American Male Wellness Initiative are holding a golf tournament in Canal Winchester on Saturday to raise awareness about preventable diseases in black males.

The golf tournament began at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Westchester Golf Course, 6300 Bent Grass Blvd.

“This event is important because we are trying to raise funding to support the African American Male Wellness Initiative. The African American Male Wellness Initiative was really created to help save black men’s lives by getting men to know their numbers and go to the doctor,” said Perry Gregory, the golf and logistics coordinator with the African American Wellness Initiative.

Gregory said black men die more often from the top five preventable diseases.

The African-American Male Wellness Initiative and its annual walk are trying to change that.

NBC 4’s own Mike Jackson helped lead the way for the awareness effort last year.

“Most black men don’t go to the doctor and so through our initiative, we are really trying to encourage men to go to the doctor, know their numbers and get moving,” Gregory said.

The African-American Male Wellness Initiative connects with health partners across central Ohio. 

Gregory said the 16 annual African American Male Wellness Walk will be held Aug. 10 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Livingston Park, 760 E. Livingston Ave.

There will be free health screenings to help attendees get a handle on their health numbers. The event is open to everyone.

Click here for more information about the African American Male Wellness Initiative and the African American Wellness Walk.