MOCHA selects new coordinator, launches new events to raise men's health awareness

Trevis Wray and Coach Dee Brown

The Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) campaign has hired  a new coordinator in its efforts to steadily raise awareness about health issues and disparities that effect men of color in Greater Springfield.

Trevis Wray, program officer and community leadership coordinator of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, will also serve as coordinator of MOCHA.

"For me, the health disparities facing men of color are real. I'm living with this and seeing it in my community and in my life everyday," Wray said, noting that statistics on morbidity and mortality rates of men of color are markedly higher than for whites. "Even in my own family and extended outward, I can see the currents of the typical illnesses that plague our community heavily - diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, alcoholism and more."

Wray said to keep the conversation about health and health awareness on the tips of every one's tongue, the initiative will host an on-going speaker series with leaders in the area of health, wellness and the community. The first speaker in the series is Coach Dee Brown, former NBA star and coach of the Springfield Armor.

Brown will speak about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and exercise on Wed., Dec. 15, at the Springfield YMCA, 275 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

We encourage everyone to attend MOCHA events as a means to get men of color in our community healthy and informed.

The Mason Square Health Task Force is part of a community collaborative working with MOCHA that includes Baystate Health, Black Men of Greater Springfield, the YMCA of Greater Springfield and others. The YMCA will facilitate a variety of wellness classes ranging from food and fitness to financial literacy.

The Mason Square Health Task Force applauds MOCHA and encourages all men to get and stay healthy!