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National Medical Association (NMA) The National Medical Association (NMA) is the Nation's largest and oldest professional, educational, and scientific organization representing the interests of African American physicians and their patients, as well as nearly 100 state and local societies. Through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research, and its collaborative efforts with federal and private agencies and entities, the NMA is committed to improving the health status and outcomes of minorities and the underserved. While the National Medical Association has historically focused on health issues related to African Americans and medically underserved populations, its principles, goals, initiatives, and philosophy address and benefit all Americans.

Resources for NBCAM Program Planners
Education: NMA offers a wide variety of Continuing Medical Education programs (CME) - including breast health -- at its annual meeting, and other times throughout the year. The CME programs promote skills development, provide up-to-date information on the latest scientific advances, and changes in the healthcare environment.

Members are also made aware of the many excellent education programs offered by other NBCAM sponsors.

Publications: The Journal of the National Medical Association is a peer-reviewed medical journal covering a myriad of breast cancer and breast health topics.

Consumer Materials: The NMA Region II in conjunction with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group produced a breast health video entitled "African American Women Can Beat Breast Cancer" to educate women about the importance of breast screenings for early detection of breast cancer. The twenty-two minute video is available free of charge by calling 888-826-5041 or visiting www.ecog.org/general/video_request.html.

Clinical Trials: The NMA encourages its members and their patients to participate in appropriate screening, prevention, treatment, and/or quality of life clinical trials.

Community Resources/Speakers: Many of our physicians participate in community health-related educational activities outside of the office. They work with or speak before faith-based groups, women's groups, advocacy groups, support groups, at health fairs, and workplaces. These opportunities heighten awareness and increase knowledge within the community as well as help empower women to assume responsibility for their health. We are happy to assist planners in locating appropriate speakers.

Advocacy: In collaboration with other organizations, such as NBCAM board members, NMA proactively promotes and sponsors programs and activities to eradicate breast cancer disparities within minority and underserved communities.

Physician/Patient Partnership: A recommendation from a physician remains a major factor in adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, however women, especially African American women, must become their own advocates. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year, health care providers must remain diligent in their efforts to recommend and/or conduct age-appropriate screening; and African American women must become familiar with and adhere to nationally recommended breast cancer screening guidelines. As a partner, the National Medical Association is here to assist.

Contact

National Medical Association 1012 Tenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001-4492 Phone:  (202) 347-1895 Fax:  (202) 371-1162 Contact:  Yolanda Fleming,  Project Director Email:  Yfleming@NMAnet.org Press Contact:   Alisa Mosley,  Communications & Media Relations Website:  www.NMAnet.org