Hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation and Morehouse School of Medicine

(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA, GA – The Parkinson’s Foundation and Morehouse School of Medicine will host “Parkinson’s Disease and the African American Community” on Saturday, July 9 at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. This program will also be live streamed to an online audience. This program will help inform the African American community about the importance of early detection and specialized Parkinson’s disease care, while shedding light on racial disparities and their impact on diagnosis and treatment.

One million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), with 60,000 people newly diagnosed each year. Studies have shown that while African Americans might be less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, those who are diagnosed are more likely to have delayed diagnosis, worse outcomes and higher mortality compared to white patients.

The purpose of this event is to identify and address myths and institutional bias that may impact early diagnosis, treatment and care in the African American community. We will also explore how healthcare professionals, people living with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones can overcome racial disparities in health care.

This program is open to people with Parkinson’s, care partners, healthcare professionals and anyone who is interested in learning more. Breakfast will be served to those joining us in-person on July 9 at Morehouse School of Medicine. This program is free, but registration is required at www.parkinson.org/atlantaedu or by calling 770-450-0792.

“The Parkinson’s Foundation has a longstanding commitment to remove barriers to care, make research more inclusive, and ensure that information and resources are accessible,” said Annie Long, Associate Director of Community Programs at the Parkinson’s Foundation. “We are intentionally building on this commitment so that all people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their families have what they need to manage this disease and live the best quality of life.”