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Tampa, Florida- January 28, 2004
The Florida Prostate Cancer Network is pleased to announce Bob Samuels, Chairman and CEO of Florida Prostate Cancer Network has won an “Unsung Heroes in Health Award,” from the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) and the Department of Health (DOH). Samuels is a member of the Moffitt Cancer Hospital Board.
As part of the Black History Month celebration this year, AHCA and DOH hosted its second annual Florida’s Unsung Heroes in Health recognition program. AHCA and DOH acknowledge those individuals who work daily to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. The two agencies’ goals are to recognize tireless efforts of individuals who help us move everyone closer to the goal of eliminating health disparities in Florida.
Samuels was nominated by Bobby Bowden, City of Tampa Community Relations Director. The ceremony will be held on Feb. 4 at the Hurston South Tower, Orlando. A total of three awards were presented. The categories for nomination include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, adult and child immunizations, and infant mortality. Samuels was nominated under the “cancer” category.
African-American men have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the world and are twice as likely to die from the disease as any other group. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the number #1 diagnosed cancer (non-skin) and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. African-American men have an incidence rate 60 percent greater that white males and a death rate twice that of white men. As estimated 230,110 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer is 2004; of this number 17,090 will be Florida residents. In the United States 29,900 men are expected to die from prostate cancer in 2004; and 2,220 of them are expected to be Floridians.
Florida Prostate Cancer Network has been recognized as a model state cancer coalition by a number of agencies including: the Florida State Legislature, Florida Department of Health and the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration. FPCN’s programs include a speakers’ bureau, counseling referral program, peer counselor network, educational forums, health fairs, support groups, and a newsletter.
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