NBCI Launches African American Parkinson's Advocacy Organization
The National Black Church Initiative launched the African American Parkinson's Patients Advocacy Organization on April 9, 2026. The group aims to provide education, support, and clinical trial access to Black patients and families affected by Parkinson's disease.
The National Black Church Initiative launched a new organization on April 9, 2026, focused on Parkinson's disease in the African American community.
The African American Parkinson's Patients Advocacy Organization, known as AAPPAO, was created to provide resources, education, and support to patients and families. It also aims to increase Black participation in clinical trials for Parkinson's treatments.
NBCI, a coalition of 150,000 African American churches representing 27.7 million members, has worked with the Michael J. Fox Foundation on Parkinson's awareness since launching pilot programs in Houston and St. Louis. The new organization builds on that work.
A "Parkinson Brain Health" social media campaign is scheduled to launch on April 25 across NBCI's Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok accounts. A previous campaign reached more than 10 million African Americans.
NBCI president Rev. Anthony Evans said the Black community has been underserved in Parkinson's research and care. The organization's approach includes medical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition programs, and caregiver support.
The launch follows a final report submitted by NBCI to the Michael J. Fox Foundation documenting the results of its community outreach work.
