Health Care Tops Agenda at Convention

Dispiriting health statistics greeted delegates yesterday in Minneapolis at the annual convention of a prominent black denomination. The National Baptist Convention USA heard that the average life expectancy for blacks in the United States is 64.4 years, compared with 73 for whites; that black infants have lower birth rates and higher death rates; and that 35 percent of black Americans are overweight and 47 percent have high cholesterol.

In his address to the group Tuesday night, US Surgeon General David Satcher, who is black and a Baptist, praised the group for focusing on health with its convention theme "Rally for Sobriety . .   Health and Wellness for our Communities." "When it comes to the health of our people, let us not be guilty of low aims," Satcher said. He noted that HIV disproportionately affects blacks. In 2000, 25 percent of new HIV cases were female and half were black, compared to 8 percent female and 25 percent black cases in 1986. "It was generally thought of as a disease of white, gay men," Satcher said. "The AIDS virus will go wherever it is taken."

Satcher said churches are often the only organizations in a community that can affect change. "Ministers in the black community have educated from the pulpit for years. We believe they have a major role to play in helping people change their lifestyles and also helping people get access to quality health care," he said.

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund, urged the audience to support proposed federal legislation that would, among other things, ensure that all children have health insurance. Currently, she said, about 2 million black children do not have health insurance.

Founded in 1880 by ex-slaves, the National Baptists are based in Nashville and have an estimated 8 million members. The convention, which began Monday and continues through Friday, is expected to attract 30,000 people.

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