---April is National Minority Health Month: first-ever survey of African American physicians' attitudes and perceptions about medical profession (see photo on UnityFirst.com)---The majority of African-American physicians are not satisfied with their experience in the daily practice of medicine, according to the first-ever survey of African-American physicians' perceptions of the medical profession which was recently released. Limited access to health insurance for their patients, cost of medical liability insurance, and physician reimbursement were among the leading causes cited for physicians' dissatisfaction, with nearly one-quarter of those physicians surveyed indicating "the loss of joy in medicine as a primary or major reason" for making changes in their practice. Overwhelmingly, respondents view improved access of minority patients to health insurance as a priority. Ninety percent of physicians surveyed indicate disparities in healthcare access as being "extremely important" for the medical profession to address, followed closely by tort reform (88%) and reimbursement (83%). These issues accounted for the top-three areas of professional disaffection experienced by physicians surveyed. Seventy-three percent indicated no satisfaction with their medical liability coverage, and nearly one-fifth (18%) reported that obtaining professional medical liability insurance was "the biggest problem I've faced this year." Indeed, almost half (46%) of the respondents said they had some degree of difficulty in getting such insurance. The majority (61.5%) stated that their medical liability insurance cost "went up significantly" or "went up somewhat" in the last three years. Paying for liability was a problem for nearly two-thirds (65%), with cost ranking as "the biggest problem I faced" for more than one-fourth of physicians (27%). The nationwide survey, which was sponsored by the National Medical Association (NMA) and the Gallup Organization, and supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Inc., questioned 479 NMA physicians about the state of medical practice as perceived by African-American physicians; major obstacles to practice; satisfaction with specific aspects of medicine; and changes made by physicians in the new environment. The survey findings will be published in the April 2004 issue of Journal of the National Medical Association. Founded in 1895, the NMA is one of the oldest and largest of the nation's medical associations, representing the interests of more than 25,000 African-American physicians and their patients. For more information, contact Luvon Roberson via email: LRoberson51@yahoo.com .

---Sears intensifies African American Outreach: Family Reunions---
The aromas of tangy barbecue and freshly baked sweet potato pies float through the air. Young children splash about in a pool as their parents' lounge nearby playing cards and dominoes. An older woman gathers a crowd as she talks about the "old days." This is the quintessential family reunion: food, family and fun. Now Sears, Roebuck and Co., partnering with Blackvoices.com, is launching a new Web site guide today to assist families in planning a reunion and learning more about their genealogy. The site, www.blackvoices.com/searsblackfamilyreunion, features the expertise of Donna Beasley, noted genealogist and author of The Family Reunion Planner. Beasley will help families plan a reunion and offer insights on how to simplify the process, as well as how individuals can learn more about their history. "For 118 years, Sears products and services have helped families improve the good life," said Greg Powell, Sears vice president of People and Cultural Diversity. "Sponsoring this Internet site carries on that tradition by honoring the past and celebrating the future." Site visitors will be able to better understand how to budget and plan for a family reunion, learn fund-raising ideas and gain insights on how to trace their family history.

---Tour of Success in New York with Tony Brown---
Business Exchange: 2004 Tour for Success begins in New York City on April 29, 2004 at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel. Speakers include: Restaurateur Author B. Smith, Ramon Rodriguez, Host of Hispanics Today and CEO of US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Shin Choi, Designer and Owner of Shin Choi Designs. Journlaist Tony Brown will be the guest speaker at the Legacy Award Luncheon. Noreen Carro of LNM Printing and "The Queen of Soul Food" Sylvia Woods will be honored with the Legacy Award recognizing their achievements in running successful family businesses. The Global Diversity Group Business Exchange: 2004 Tour for Success begins at 9 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.) with free interactive workshops focusing on key business issues and trends including: "Winning at the Contract Game," "Marketing Your Way To Success" and "Gaining the Competitive Edge via Technology," The workshops are free and open to the public, but registration is required at www.mpbnetwork.com. If you are interested in receiving a free ticket to the Legacy luncheon, please call 1-888-265-6480. For tickets to the Economic Empowerment Networking Reception also call 1.888.265.6480.

---A salute to journalistic excellence---
Miller Brewing, NNPA announce a call for entries for Annual Messenger Awards Competition. "That's Right, Oprah, I Whipped Her Butt!" and "War Is Not The Answer" led the way not only as two of the most provocative statements of 2003, but also as a pair of winning journalism entries in the 2003 A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards. The Miller Brewing Company has presented the annual awards since 1991, in conjunction with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). "The Black Press continues to serve as an important voice for the African-American community, and is a source of pride and a mark of integrity that dates back more than 170 years," said Larry Waters, Director of the Sales Communications Group for Miller Brewing Company. "Miller is honored to partner with the NNPA to sponsor this event for the 13th year during the NNPA annual convention (June 16-20) in New Orleans at the Wyndham Canal Place. The deadline for all entries is Monday, April, 26. All current members of the NNPA are eligible to submit entries. Send entries to: Flowers Communications Group, 542 S. Dearborn St., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60605. For more information and to request an application, call (312) 986-1250.

---Walgreens Launches Chicago-Area Minority Youth Fitness Initiative---
Walgreen Co. has announced a health and fitness program that will stimulate ongoing interaction and dialogue within the African-American community on children's health, fitness and educational issues. The program, scheduled to launch in the Fall of 2004, will be developed and managed by Flowers Communications Group (FCG) of Chicago. "Since our founding in 1901, Walgreens has recognized the connection between strong communities and good business. We are committed to addressing and meeting the needs of African-American communities," says Craig Sinclair, vice president, advertising for Walgreen Co. "Our goal is to create positive programs within the areas where they are needed most." Walgreens and FCG will launch the educational and fitness-focused program in Chicago and suburban public schools for minority youth. The initiative will offer health and fitness information with a fun and creative approach, helping to address the serious incidence of childhood obesity. The program also will include an advisory team comprised of teachers, healthcare professionals and fitness experts. Flowers Communications Group (FCG) ranks as one of the largest African American-owned public relations firms in the Midwest.

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