Generations of Wellness® - African American Health

August 2, 2011

Who We Are

Generations of Wellness (GOW) is designed to support UnitedHealthcare’s African American members in their journey to good health. By emphasizing awareness and education, and by promoting new attitudes toward healthy living, we're encouraging African Americans to engage in healthy behaviors.

Mission

To help improve the health care outcomes of African Americans in the communities we serve by providing culturally sensitive health education, health improvement opportunities and access to a large provider network.

Health Disparities

African Americans are disproportionately affected by several health conditions resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality.

Heart Disease

  • African American adults are less likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease, however they are more likely to die from heart disease  
  • In 2005, African American men were 30% more likely to die from heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic while men
  • African American adults are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure, but 10% less likely to have their blood pressure under control

Stroke

  • 2 times the risk for stroke
  • 60% more likely to die from stoke

Cancer

  • African American women were 10% less likely to have been diagnosed with breast cancer, however, they were 34% more likely to die from breast cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white women
  • African American men are 2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer
  • Cancers of the colon or rectum have been caught in the later stages in African-Americans at younger ages

Diabetes

  • 1.9 times more likely to the have been diagnosed with diabetes

Asthma

 Children are:

  • Half as likely to have an office visit
  • 2 times more likely to visit the ER
  • 3 times more likely to be hospitalized

Infant Mortality

  • Newborn mortality is 2.5 times higher

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. The Office of Minority Health.

Culturally relevant Health Offerings

Generations of Wellness is included in every UnitedHealthcare plan.

GOW is focused on improving health outcomes of African Americans by providing culturally sensitive health education, health improvement opportunities and access to quality health care services. Our offerings include:

  • Printed health tip fliers
  • Family Health History Tree (online and printable versions)
  • Co-branded materials with AHA, ASA and ACS
  • Dedicated web site at www.uhcgenerations.com
  • Online African American Physician Directory
  • Ask The Doc section
  • Online Recipes
  • Online Fitness Tips
  • Workplace Wellness seminars for employers
  • Community-based events

Benefits of Leveraging GOW

  • Expand book of business among African American business community
  • Reach an emerging market with substantial buying power and population growth 
  • Tap into a unique niche market
  • Participate in GOW-sponsored events for lead generation opportunities, including: Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs conference; African American Business Association Seminars, Business Expos, etc.
  • Approach existing and/or prospects with unique wellness offerings
  • Utilize GOW capabilities for retention efforts with clients

How to Access GOW

  • Contact your Sales Representative or Account Management Team

 Contact GOW Team:

    • Corliss Hill: corliss.hill@uhc.com
    • Tomica Young: tomica_young@uhc.com

 Download Tip Sheets from www.uhcgenerations.com