Press Release

At UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
UMDNJ Receives Funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
For a Young Male Health Disparities Program

A program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) has received $450,000 for a program to decrease health disparities among young minority males in the greater Essex County area.

The three-year grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiatives program will be used to provide medically disadvantaged males with case management, health and preventive care services through the Brotherhood Health Initiative at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.

The Brotherhood Health Initiative, which is part of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine (DAYAM) at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, was established in 2002 to address the medical, emotional and socio-economic issues concerning minority males between ages 12 and 25.

"This program creates a safety net for at-risk urban minority males by providing case management, targeted outreach, and health prevention services," said Dr. Robert L. Johnson, acting chair and professor of pediatrics and director of the DAYAM at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. "This pro-active approach helps youth by providing assessments of social service needs, follow-up on referrals and peer group sessions. To date, more than 80 young males have participated in the program."

Social workers at the UMDNJ-University Hospital, health professionals at the DAYAM adolescent health clinics at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, and representatives from community-based organizations will provide young men with referrals.

Sean Duren, project coordinator of the Brotherhood Health Initiative, said, "This initiative is an intervention that is designed to provide case-management, group support and advocacy services for young males who are less likely to be pro-active about their health status."

The Brotherhood Health Initiative program coordinator will conduct case management evaluations on individuals who volunteer for this free program. Outcomes of evaluations will be used to identify appropriate support services for each participant. The program's health professionals will offer referrals, group support and follow-up evaluations for participants seeking services such as health care, employment, education, housing, legal and financial assistance.

In addition to peer support group meetings, the Brotherhood Health Initiative also provides vital health information on sexual reproductive health, self esteem, anger management, and conflict resolution.

For more information about the Brotherhood Health Initiative at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, call 973-972-3152.

###