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August 14, 2009 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Addresses Health Disparities and Chronic Disease in Keynote Speech at A. Philip Randolph Institute National Education Conference

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) delivered the keynote address at the A. Philip Randolph Institute 40th Annual National Education Conference.

Dr. Carmona addressed the need for an increased focus on prevention of chronic disease and public participation in creating solutions in order to reduce the long-standing health disparities in the United States. “We need you to help us create a cultural transformation from a ‘sick care’ system to one rooted in health and prevention,” Dr. Carmona told the enthusiastic and receptive audience. “Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and costly types of illness - but they are also the most preventable.”

Dr. Carmona highlighted the enormous and unequal burden of chronic disease faced by African American and other traditionally marginalized communities. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that African Americans face significantly higher infant mortality rates than Caucasians, a 50 percent higher age-adjusted death rate from diabetes, and inequities in accessing health insurance.

Reflecting this year’s conference theme of “APRI Leaders: Leading for the Health of It!” Dr. Carmona said, “The strength of our great nation is in the good health of its people and right now that strength is in jeopardy. We must encourage Congress to focus health reform efforts to advance health literacy, prevent disease, and optimize wellness in order to create a health care system that helps all people to be healthy and productive members of society.”

The conference theme was selected based on APRI’s position that achieving meaningful health reform has to include elimination of health disparities. This conference marks the third consecutive time that APRI leaders have decided to focus on health issues.

Founded in 1965 by A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979), APRI is an organization of African American trade unionists dedicated to racial equality and economic justice. Once called ‘the most dangerous black man in America,’ Randolph was an early leader in the civil rights movement for his advocacy in uniting African American laborers against discrimination. He founded APRI to continue the struggle for social, political and economic justice for all working Americans.

Event Photographs:

Fred Mason, president of the Maryland/D.C. AFL-CIO and co-chair of the Maryland Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) chapter, introduces keynote speaker Dr. Richard H. Carmona, 17th U.S. Surgeon General (2002-2006), president of Canyon Ranch Institute, and national chairperson of the PFCD, at the A. Philip Randolph Institute National Education Conference. (August 14, 2009, Phoenix, AZ)



Dr. Richard H. Carmona, 17th U.S. Surgeon General (2002-2006), president of Canyon Ranch Institute, and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) delivers the keynote address at the A. Philip Randolph Institute 40th Annual National Education Conference in Phoenix on August 14, 2009. In his speech, Dr. Carmona addressed health disparities and chronic disease in the African American community.



Dr. Richard H. Carmona, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th U.S. Surgeon General (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), addresses a question from an audience member at the A. Philip Randolph Institute 40th Annual National Education Conference in Phoenix on August 14, 2009.