National Black Church Initiative Launches African American Parkinson Patient Advocacy Association

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition representing 150,000 African American churches and 27.7 million members, launched the African American Parkinson Patient Advocacy Association on April 1, 2026, marking a significant expansion of its health equity mission. The new organization aims to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease within the African American community, advocate for increased research participation, and connect patients with resources and support networks. The launch coincides with NBCI's broader spring health campaign, which includes social media initiatives titled 'Vaccines are Good for America' and 'Parkinson Brain Health,' both designed to combat health misinformation and encourage preventive care within Black communities. NBCI President Rev. Anthony Evans emphasized that the Black church has historically served as a trusted institution for health education and community support, making it uniquely positioned to address health disparities that disproportionately affect African Americans. The initiative also announced plans to expand its 'Heart First' pilot program to Miami and Charlotte, building on successful models in other cities. NBCI's National Clinical Trials Strategic Plan continues to work toward increasing African American and Latino community engagement in clinical trials, addressing the longstanding underrepresentation of minority populations in medical research. The organization also announced recognition of 'The 25 Most Effective Christian Biblical Preachers of 2025-2026 in the Black Preaching Tradition,' celebrating faith leaders who combine spiritual guidance with community advocacy. These efforts reflect the Black church's enduring role as a pillar of health, education, and social justice in African American communities across the nation.