On Sept. 18, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, along with other regional organizations, will participate in "Take A Loved One To The Doctor Day," a national program to encourage people to be proactive about their health.

In Mobile, the Mitchell Cancer Institute will host healthcare organizations and provide screenings and prevention information.   Doctors will be on site to visit and assist with follow- up appointments.

"Early detection saves lives," explained Dr. Raymond Wynn, who serves as Elsie Colle Chair and associate director for Community Outreach, Information and Education at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.  "By visiting your doctor on a regular basis, patients are able to take charge of their health and improve their overall quality of life as well," added Wynn, who specializes in radiation oncology and the treatment of prostate cancer.

The "Take A Loved One To The Doctor Day" was established by Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show.  The event encourages friends and family members to take part in health screenings and make an appointment with their doctor.

Started in 2002, this year marks the fifth year for the program.   Joyner has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to improve health care among minority groups, including African-Americans.

Joyner, who was born in Tuskegee, Ala., earned his degree in sociology from Tuskegee Institute.  His broadcasting career began in Montgomery, Ala.  While a student at Tuskegee in the 1960s, Joyner became an original member of the musical group - The Commodores, but left the group prior to their international success beginning in the early 1970s.

Today, Joyner is known for his philanthropic work and is heard in more than 115 markets by nearly eight million listeners each week. Known as the "hardest working man in radio," Joyner is a 1999 Radio Hall of Fame inductee, an NAACP President's Award winner and was bestowed with the prestigious Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year in 2004.

The USA Mitchell Cancer Institute was established in 2000, with a mission of providing superb cancer research, prevention, clinical care outreach, and education programs for the upper Gulf Coast region.

For more information regarding "Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day" please visit www.BlackAmericaWeb.com.