WS Chronicle

In photo above: Tiffany Williams (MPH, MLS), Gramercy Research Group project coordinator, back left, leads a new study participant through the initial information meeting on Wednesday, June 3, at Gramercy Research Group, 7990 North Point Boulevard – Suite 108. (Photo by Erin Mizelle for the Winston-Salem Chronicle)

Active and Healthy Brotherhood study is largest of its kind in nation

By Tevin Stinson
The Chronicle

Chronic disease has been studied before, but Dr. Melicia C. Whitt-Glover and her company, Gramercy Research Group, are doing it on a large scale. African-American men are the focus this time, in the largest study of its kind for that group in the nation.

Whitt-Glover, President and CEO of Gramercy Research Group, based in Winston-Salem, said she is excited to bring the program to the area. In the past, the company has conducted similar projects for women, but this will be the first time men have had a chance to participate.

“For several years, we have been conducting projects to improve health in women,” Whitt-Glover said. “The men have been asking when they would have a chance to participate, and now we finally have a program for them.”

Gramercy Research Group, 7990 North Point Blvd., Suite 108, has been approved for a $2.1 million funding for Active and Healthy Brotherhood (AHB).
The Active and Healthy Brotherhood is the largest study in the country for chronic disease self-management and prevention for African-American men. Dr. Whitt-Glover believes if the program is successful, it could pave the way for similar programs across the country.

“There isn’t a program like this anywhere in the country, and for us to have the first one right here in Forsyth County is a big deal,” said Whitt-Glover.

The program will provide information on overall health, healthy eating, physical activity, stress management and how to get medical care when needed. The purpose of the program will be to investigate ways to improve health/behaviors using an intervention that has been designed specifically for African-American men.

The study eventually will involve 440 African-American men between the ages of 30 and 64. More participants are needed. During the study, researchers will periodically collect information from participants related to their physical activity and health.

That information will then be used to determine whether the program works to increase physical activity, increase the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten, decrease the amount of salt taken in, participate in medical care, and improve overall health.

Tiffany Williams, project coordinator for the study, said that currently 31 males from Forsyth County are enrolled in the program, but word is traveling fast and she is seeing new faces everyday.

“As more people come in and hear about the program, the more others will come,” Williams said. “A lot of people come in then they go out and tell their friends and family members about the program. We’ve even had sets of brothers come in and do the study together.”

If all scheduled study visits are completed, participants will receive a number of incentives, including $75 for completing all the scheduled study visits.

Victor Stevenson of Winston-Salem attended a recent information session and is confident the study will help him stay healthy as long as possible.
“I want to stick around as long as possible,” Stevenson laughed. “I believe this program will help me to do that by eating better and leading a healthier life style.”

For more information or to become involved with the Active & Healthy Brotherhood Project, contact Melicia Whitt-Glover via telephone at 336-293-8540, extension 110, or email: mwhittglover@gramercyresearch.com. For more information about Gramercy Research Group visit www.gramercyresearch.com.