The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50632

Peter Beilenson, MD, MPH¹, Claude-Alix Jacob, MPH², Maria Lucas, LCSW-C², Alphonso Gibbs, MSW², and Hakim Farrakhan, MA³. (1) Baltimore City Department of Health, 210 Guilford Ave., 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, (2) Baltimore City Health Department, 210 Guilford Avenue, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-361-9686, Peter.Beilenson@baltimorecity.gov, (3) Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, 2000 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21217

The Men's Health Center (MHC) administered by the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) addresses the health needs of uninsured males (ages 19-64) within Baltimore City and serves as the first full-service clinic of its kind in the nation. As the local health authority, BCHD fulfills its mission through policy development and change in the health care delivery system of the City. African-American residents comprise two-thirds of the population of the City of Baltimore, of which, one in five does not have health insurance and cannot fully access the available services. As a result, MHC offers a range of outpatient health services that include physical examinations, dental care, pharmacy assistance, mental health, and substance abuse counseling. The facility operates with a comprehensive staff of providers that include allied health professionals, clinicians, outreach workers, and administrative personnel. Preliminary data show that men from across the city are accessing the services offered within the facility although the need for specialty care has become quite apparent since the clinic opened in April 2000. Patients present with a range of illnesses that include hypertension, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and diabetes. Innovative program strategies have been successful as evidenced the number of client and patient visits to the clinic and the partnerships established with local organizations. Long-term goals include an inventory of available services for this urban population and the continued expansion of preventive and specialty health services.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will understand the components integral to the development of an innovative health initiative, gain knowledge concerning best practices in designing and implementing programs for men of color within urban settings, and will discuss the policy implications of improving access to healthcare for underserved populations.

Keywords: Underserved Populations, Male Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.