Health Foundation of South Florida Launches "Take Your Loved One to the Doctor" Campaign to Improve Black Men's Health in Lauderhill and Overtown

Effort mobilizes 500 Black men in Lauderhill and Overtown to prioritize preventive health

LAUDERHILL, Fla., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 9, 2025, the City of Lauderhill recognized Black Men's Health Month and the launch of the Take Your Loved One to the Doctor (TYLOTD) campaign — a bold, community-led effort powered by the Health Foundation of South Florida to address the urgent health disparities affecting Black men in Lauderhill and Overtown. Inspired by the national initiative launched by radio host Tom Joyner, this local activation meets men where they are—building trust and expanding access to care.

Launched during Men's Health Month and continuing through September's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign aims to engage 500 Black men to take themselves — and someone they care about — to the doctor. With a focus on preventive care, early detection, and access to services, Take Your Loved One to the Doctor is designed to break cycles of medical mistrust and survival-mode health habits.

Take Your Loved One to the Doctor Campaign Highlights:

• Cut for Care Weekend: Barbershops become wellness hubs offering free screenings and pledge sign-ups
• Wellness Checkpoint Events: Clinics and mobile units provide screenings and care navigation for the uninsured
• Health is Wealth Communications Campaign: A culturally grounded media campaign in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole

"Building health equity is at the heart of our mission," said Loreen Chant, President and CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. "Through this campaign, we're not just raising awareness — we're creating access points, building trust, and inviting men to prioritize their health without shame or barriers. This is about showing up for yourself and for your loved ones."

The 'Recognition' from the City of Lauderhill underscores the campaign's importance in a community where over 75% of residents identify as Black or African American, and where data from Broward County shows Black men are more likely to be hospitalized for preventable conditions and face higher mortality from treatable diseases.

"This campaign is personal," said Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn, who requested the commendation. "Too often, Black men in our city delay care until it's too late. This initiative meets them where they are — in barbershops, churches, and trusted community spaces — and encourages action. It's time we treat our health like the wealth it is."

Community Partners Include: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Masons, Kinam Barbershop, Haitian Mobilization Committee, United Lauderhill Community Association, The Journey Institute Inc., Broward Community and Family Center, Serenity for Youth & Families, Banyan Community Health, and YMCA of South Florida, among others.

Residents can visit MyHealthPledge.org to take the pledge, find events, and get involved. They can also watch a short video about the campaign here.

The Take Your Loved One to the Doctor campaign is part of Black Health Summit In Action, the Health Foundation of South Florida's effort to put health equity into motion—on the ground, in partnership, and with lasting impact. By centering grassroots leadership and community-designed solutions, the Health Foundation of South Florida is responding directly to priorities voiced by Black residents across South Florida.

Lauderhill residents, you can take a loved one to the FREE HEALTH SCREENING FOR MEN on Saturday, June 28th from 10am to 2pm, at Broward Community & Family Health Center (BCOM) – 1295 NW 40^th Avenue, Ste. 200 (Lauderhill Mall). No appointment or insurance needed. Register at www.TLOTDLAUDERHILL.EVENTBRITE.COM.

About the Health Foundation of South Florida:
Health Foundation of South Florida has been serving South Florida for over 30 years, investing more than $151 million in nonprofits that provide programs and services in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. The Health Foundation's mission is to be a catalyst for collaborations, policy changes, and systems change that improve the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low—to moderate-income populations. For more information, visit www.hfsf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Health Foundation of South Florida