Breaking barriers to better health

When communities lack equal access to knowledge and resources, health education gaps emerge, preventing individuals from fully taking charge of their well-being. Increasing access to information and providing critical services in the neighborhoods where people live and spend the most time is key to addressing these gaps. The African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) uses this type of grassroots strategy. With a focus on improving the health and well-being of Black men and their families, AAMWA works to reduce health disparities through prevention programs and health awareness campaigns. 

A single walk has grown into a national movement. The group’s work began in Ohio in 2004 with the “African American Male Wellness Walk/Run” event.  AAMWA now provides over 10,000 free health screenings to Black communities at events in over 20 cities in the United States each year. 

Through partnerships with organizations like AAMWA, Exact Sciences seeks to increase education and awareness about colorectal cancer to empower communities and advance health equity. In 2024, Exact Sciences provided AAMWA a $50,000 sponsorship to help engage vulnerable populations in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Houston, Texas. Exact Sciences’ Advocacy and Alliance Relations, Health Equity, Field Medical, and Healthcare Market Development teams worked together to provide educational materials about colorectal cancer to more than 400 people at the events.  

Black Men’s Wellness Day 
AAMWA celebrates “Black Men's Wellness Day” events to increase awareness of preventable disease and access to health resources. By offering free health screenings and helping attendees connect with primary care providers, the events utilize the “clinic-to-community" model to promote a culture of wellness in Black communities. 

“During the Wellness Day in Columbus, Ohio, we met a Boy Scouts troop leader who was also a colon cancer survivor,” recalls Raquel Washington, Director, Medical Science Liaisons at Exact Sciences. “He brought his Scouts to the Exact Sciences booth to learn about the importance of colon cancer screening, emphasizing his mission to spread awareness and prevent others from experiencing what he had to.” 

Uplift Her 
AAMWA created “Uplift Her” events to address the particular health challenges women of color experience, aiming to empower women to prioritize their own well-being. By offering access to free biometric screenings, mammograms, and cancer risk assessments, Uplift Her helps build healthier families and stronger communities. In 2024, AAMWA provided free health screenings to over 500 women at Uplift Her events. 

As AAMWA expands its reach, partnerships like this support Exact Sciences' work to reduce disparities and promote better health for all. By increasing access to colorectal cancer screening and education, these collaborations help break down barriers to care — bringing life-saving resources directly to communities and moving us closer to a healthier future.