NBCI Launches Parkinson's Disease Initiative in Houston and St. Louis
The National Black Church Initiative launched a new Parkinson's disease education program in Houston and St. Louis in 2026, targeting African American communities with higher rates of the disease. The initiative also formed the African American Parkinson's Patient's Advocacy Organization to push for better research and care access. NBCI represents 150,000 churches and 27.7 million members.
The National Black Church Initiative launched a Parkinson's disease education program in Houston and St. Louis in 2026, aiming to reach African American communities that face higher rates of the disease and less access to specialized care.
NBCI, a coalition of 150,000 African American churches representing 27.7 million members, also announced the formation of the African American Parkinson's Patient's Advocacy Organization, known as AAPPAO. The new group will push for more research into Parkinson's disease in Black communities and advocate for better access to neurological care.
Parkinson's disease affects an estimated one million Americans. Studies have found that Black Americans are less likely to be diagnosed early and less likely to receive specialist care compared to white patients with the same condition.
NBCI president Rev. Anthony Evans said the church is uniquely positioned to reach Black families with health information because of the trust congregations have built over generations.
The Houston and St. Louis programs will include educational workshops at participating churches, screenings, and referrals to neurologists. NBCI said it plans to expand the program to additional cities later in 2026.
The initiative is part of NBCI's broader health equity work, which also includes programs on maternal health, immunization, and clinical trial participation. The organization has been working to address racial health disparities for more than two decades.
