MEN'S HEALTH

The Men’s Health Program is dedicated to addressing the unique health challenges faced by minority men by promoting awareness, prevention, and access to care.


REAL MEN TALK ABOUT HEALTH


Prostate Cancer in Black Men:  Did you know Black men face a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer—and at younger ages—compared to other groups? Our community-focused resources aim to change that by:

  • Clearing up common misconceptions.
  • Encouraging regular screenings.
  • Providing facts that inform proactive health decisions.
Three people at a table during a health fair, with flowers and a lit sign reading “WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD.”

KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME

Men's Health Screenings by Age

Get Screened. Be Strong.

Regular health screenings can help detect health problems early—often before symptoms appear.

Knowing what screenings to get and when to get them can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Two people sit at a table in a hallway booth for Black Men’s Health Equity, with flyers and pamphlets displayed.
Men seated at a table with Black Men's Health Council banner and informational materials at community event
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Ages 18-39

Schedule:

Annual Wellness Exam

Ask Your Healthcare Provider About:

  • Blood pressure screening
  • Cholesterol screening
  • Diabetes screening (if overweight or at risk)
  • Mental health screening
  • Tobacco and vaping cessation support
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, if needed


Focus On:

Building healthy habits, managing stress, staying physically active, and knowing your family

health history.

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Ages 40-49

Schedule:

Annual Wellness Exam

Ask Your Healthcare Provider About:

  • Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
  • Diabetes screening
  • Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45
  • Heart disease risk assessment
  • Family history of cancer and chronic disease
  • Prostate health and prostate cancer risk

Focus On:

Preventing chronic disease and identifying health risks early.




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Ages 50-64

Schedule:

Annual Wellness Exam

Ask Your Healthcare Provider About:

  • Colorectal cancer screening
  • Prostate cancer screening
  • Diabetes screening
  • Cholesterol and blood pressure checks
  • Vision and hearing screenings
  • Recommended vaccinations


Focus On:

Maintaining heart health, preventing cancer, and preserving quality of life.

Black outline of a person icon on a white background

Ages 65 and Older

Schedule:

Annual Wellness Exam

Ask Your Healthcare Provider About:

  • Colorectal cancer screening, as recommended
  • Prostate cancer screening, based on risk
  • Bone health assessment
  • Vision and hearing exams
  • Fall prevention screening
  • Memory and cognitive health screening
  • Vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19


Focus On:

Healthy aging, maintaining independence, and staying active.


Know Your Numbers

❤

Blood Pressure

Healthy Goal: Less than 120/80

💧

Blood Sugar

Know your diabetes risk and get screened regularly.

💚

Cholesterol

High cholesterol often has no symptoms but increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

⚖

Weight

Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity and healthy eating.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

⚠ Chest pain or
shortness of breath
⚠ Frequent urination
or excessive thirst
⚠ Blood in stool
or urine
⚠ Unexplained
weight loss
⚠ Persistent
fatigue
⚠ Changes in mental
health or mood
👨🏾‍⚕️

If you notice any of these symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

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Group of people at a podium, with a sign that reads "You are not alone", in a building with pillars.
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Table with brochures, pens, and packaged items, likely for a health or wellness event.

TELL TEN CHALLENGE RAISES AWARENESS

OF ALARMING MEN'S HEALTH STATISTICS

During a recent interview with WLBT, Warren Jones spotlighted the Tell Ten Challenge, a community-driven initiative designed to spark meaningful conversations about men’s health.


The challenge was inspired by alarming national data. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men consistently experience poorer health outcomes than women across several key indicators, including life expectancy, chronic disease, and preventable deaths.

CONFRONTING THE BLACK MEN'S HEALTH CRISIS

Warren Jones, Institute Epidemiologist, delivered a powerful presentation at the Black Men in Balance Summit on Saturday, September 13. The event focused on the theme “Black Men Health Crisis,” highlighting urgent health disparities, barriers to wellness, and pathways toward equity in Black men’s health.

About us

HEALTH, STRENGTH & LEGACY:  UPLIFTING MEN OF COLOR

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health’s Men’s Health Program addresses the unique health challenges and disparities affecting men of color, specifically African American men. This program promotes health equity, improves access to care, and supports healthy behaviors through targeted outreach, education, and community-based interventions.

PURPOSE

The program aims to reduce health disparities among minority men by increasing awareness, facilitating early detection of chronic diseases, and encouraging preventive care. Through the development of culturally responsive programming and safe spaces for discussion, the Men’s Health Program empowers men in Mississippi to take control of their health and improve their health outcomes.

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KEY ACTIVITIES

  • Community Engagement

    The program maintains a consistent presence in the community through recurring outreach events: 


    Billy Brumfield Men’s Shelter Initiative: 

    The Men’s Health program serves the unhoused at the Billy Brumfield Men’s Shelter.  Every third Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Institute staff and various partners provide health education, screenings, and resources tailored to meet the needs of the unhoused population in the City of Jackson (MS).


    Black Men’s Health Equity Council Task Force Meetings: 

    The Black Men's Health Equity Council is dedicated to advancing health equity for Black men in Mississippi. The council aims to revolutionize the well-being of Black males by enhancing the well-being of Black men holistically. The council focuses on imparting knowledge, raising awareness, delivering effective programs, and advocating for transformative policies.  This stakeholder group meets every fourth Thursday at 5 p.m., at Tougaloo College (Tougaloo, MS).


    Choppin’ It Up Barbershop Series: 

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Black men tend to have less frequent contact with physicians and other health professionals than their white counterparts. The Choppin’ It Up Barbershop Series is an innovative, hands-on way to provide wellness services in a comfortable environment. Culturally, the barbershop is a safe space for Black men. Through this series, Black men with access to medical personnel, basic health screenings, and wellness information that will reduce and prevent chronic illnesses. The series is implemented in Hinds County.


    Black Men's Health Equity Conference: 

    The Black Men’s Health Equity Conference is a one-day event dedicated to addressing health issues directly impacting Black men in Mississippi. Since its inception in 2023, the conference has featured renowned speakers such as Charles Taylor, Executive Director of the NAACP-MS; New York City Councilman and Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam; and award-winning journalist Roland Martin. The conference is offered at no cost to ensure that critical health information remains accessible to all Black men seeking to improve their health outcomes.


    IAHM Teen Summit:

    The Teen Health Summit allows Metro Area Teens to discuss pertinent issues and develop solutions for change.  Sponsored by the Men’s Program, the summit features breakout sessions focusing on HIV/AIDS, emotional wellness, bullying, and nutrition.  

  • Health Screenings and Education

    The program provides essential health screenings (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol checks) along with health literacy education to encourage early detection and informed decision-making.  Health campaigns such as Brother, Go Get Checked (prostate cancer), chronic disease awareness (high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes), and emotional wellness assist in increasing positive health outcomes for Black men in Mississippi.


  • Coalition Building and Advocacy

    Through partnerships with local organizations, non-profits, churches, shelters, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the program fosters cross-sector collaboration to advocate for systemic change and improved health outcomes. 


GOALS

Increase the rate of preventive health screenings among minority men.

Build trust and engagement within underserved male populations.

Strengthen community partnerships to support long-term health initiatives.

Advocate for policies and programs that promote health equity for men of color.

IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES

Browse the photo gallery to relive the inspiring moments, celebrate the connections made, and see the incredible impact of coming together for better health.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The Men’s Health program services African American men and other men of color. Many, but not all, are low-resourced, uninsured/underinsured. Key populations include residents of shelters, barbershop patrons, college students, and men engaged through faith-based and community networks.

FUNDING SOURCES

  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Higher Purpose, Inc.
  • MS Department of Health

Contact Us