African Americans make up 40 percent of the population of Cumberland County, but health officials say they are not getting the health care they need.

A campaign announced Tuesday by Cape Fear Valley Health System is aimed at health disparities among African-Americans, whom officials say are at higher risk for diabetes, stroke and heart disease than white adults.

"What we hope to do and what many other programs have shown is that through education and good and relevant information, patients are starting to become more empowered to ask the kinds of questions to take advantage of many of the resources that we already have available," said Dr. Eugene Wright, interim chief medical officer of Cape Fear Valley Health System.

Five local radio stations with primarily African-American listeners and The Fayetteville Press, a local minority newspaper, have joined the "Take Charge of Your Health" campaign, offering unique access to the target audience. At a news conference announcing the partnership, Wright cited studies that have shown entertainment programming is a powerful tool to communicate health information, especially for minorities.

Mac Edwards, vice president for Beasley Broadcast Group, which owns KISS 107.7 and FOXY 99, two of the radio stations involved in the campaign, says he's hopeful their involvement will attract the attention of younger listeners.

"Having our air personalities on the air talking about it and working it from the influence that they bring will get those who are 17 to 25 years old to pay a little more attention and start some habits that are good for life," said Edwards.

Other radio stations involved in the partnership are WIDU 1600 AM, WFSS 91.9 FM, WCCG 104.5 FM.

The "Take Charge of Your Health" campaign kicks off with a health fair on Saturday, May 31 at Fayetteville State University's Capel Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include free health screenings and information for the public.