An African-American medical professionals convention at Cobo Center is taking place with free screenings this week.
A meeting of medical minds is underway downtown.
The largest national organization of African-American doctors is having its annual convention here.
Thousands of African-American medical professionals are in the motor city for the 113th National Medical Association convention at Cobo Center
"Detroit represents and embodies what's in healthcare right now," said Dr. Lonnie Joe, National Medical Association. "We've got the working poor, fourth richest county in the country and if healthcare works here it can work anywhere."
Joe is the National Medical Association Speaker of the House. The organization was founded when blacks were not allowed to join the American Medical Association.
Although progress has been made, the organization still exist to deal with issues like disparities in medical care.
That's why at the convention free services are offered to help get needed medical care to those who might otherwise go without.
Oscila Tabor received a free prostrate exam.
"I didn't have insurance so my friend told me about it," she said. "It's important for me to come down here and see about my health," she said.
"We're doing free testing primarily for PSAs but we have other groups that are doing cholesterol, HIV testing and eye screenings as well," said Dr. Ray Littleton of Henry Ford Medical Group.
For more information go to the convention web site: http://convention.nmanet.