The Health Initiative for Men & Women

The Health Initiative for Men & Women

by: Allison Agnew, Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition

Let’s be real: Men don’t always go to the doctor when they need to, or take care of themselves as they should. This includes annual checkups and participating in preventative screenings where health problems can be identified and treated before they become serious. That is why the 100 Black Men of Rome and the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition co-sponsor The Health Initiative for Men & Women (H.I.M. + Women)

In June of 2000, Mr. Larry Morrow, Sr., and Mr. Curtis Adams took a trip to Miami to participate in the 100 Black Men of America’s annual conference. At that conference, they learned that black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, less likely to get screened, and more likely to die from the disease. In an effort to inspire men and raise awareness about men’s health issues, the duo contacted Dr. Crane of Harbin Clinic and formed a partnership to start a health fair called the Health Initiative for Men (H.I.M.)

Curtis Adams, a founder of the event said, “We had about 30 participants when we first started H.I.M. in 2001. We continued to build support and after 3 years we had outgrown our space at the Fielder’s Center and moved the event to the Floyd County Health Department. Now we average over 300 participants each year.”

“Over the years, as community based prostate screenings were discouraged, the 100 Black Men of Rome knew that many in our community were especially susceptible to prostate cancer and wanted to ensure that these services remained available. Today, as prostate cancer rates are on the rise again, we are fortunate to have had the 100 advocating for screening services in this community all along”, stated Erin Hernandez, President/CEO of the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition. In 2016, the chapter was presented with a proclamation by Mayor Jamie Doss and the Rome City Commission declaring the 3rd Saturday of August “Health Initiative for Men Day” (H.I.M. Day) in Rome, Georgia.

Larry Morrow Sr., a founder of the event shared, “The Annual H.I.M. event may have very well saved my life. If I hadn’t participated in the prostate screening, I may have never known I had a cancerous tumor until it was too late. That’s the thing, you have to be proactive rather than reactive. Men don’t always think about that and can be resistant, so we encourage the women in their lives to get them to come get screened.” Mr. Morrow said he enjoys telling his story and hopes to inspire other men to take charge of their health. “I caught my cancer in the early stages. I’m happy to report that after around 20 radiation treatments, I have been cancer free since 2011. Cancer is nothing to be ashamed about. You don’t catch cancer. Cancer catches you. I was able to get cured thanks to this event, so I am happy to be the poster child for it.”

Dan Bevels, Atrium Health Floyd’s director of Community Health, said “I’ve been part of the Health Initiative for Men & Women for more than a decade now, but this year is different. In 2023, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, not something I expected at that point in my life. Thankfully, we caught it early and I had a successful treatment and am now cancer free. The reason we were able to catch it early is because my primary care physician, Dr. Michelle Strickland, was diligent in making sure I had my regular labs. It’s troubling to think about what could have happened if I had not had those regular tests. I know that men have the reputation of not going to the doctor for check-ups, but I’ll never miss one again and will always encourage other men to do the same. That’s why events like H.I.M. + Women are so important. Come out and take advantage of the opportunity, it could save your life.”

The planning for this event is a yearlong process for the 100 BMOR and the NWGRCC. The Health Initiative for Men and Women is host to over 40 volunteer health providers, 50+ community non-profit organizations, and many health professions students working together to make this event successful. “I do think the vendor hospitality room is a great addition this year. It’s a great way to show our appreciation. We all work really well together and it’s not like that everywhere. It takes all of us working together to serve our most vulnerable populations.” said Dondra Crawford of Advent Health Redmond.

Shea Walker, DNP, RN Assistant Director Atrium Health Floyd Nursing Department, stated “Volunteering at this community-based health fair better equips our students with hands-on experience and vital skills, fostering a workforce that not only more competent but also deeply connected to the community they serve.”

Additionally, all of the major healthcare organizations are significant contributors. James Lee, President of the 100 Black Men of Rome said, “The continuous support and teamwork from all aspects of the community has been essential in keeping this program productive for so long. We, the 100, are truly humbled, blessed, and highly appreciative of the efforts and dedication provided from all of our community supporters and sponsors.” This legacy of success of the Health Initiative for Men and Women is due to the 100 Black Men of Rome’s ongoing commitment to maintaining valuable relationships with community partners and advocating for our regions most vulnerable.
“Every year we find someone who requires follow up care. Several of our own 100 members have been screened and were flagged for follow up”, said Mr. Adams.

In the event’s 15th year, the fair became known as the Health Initiative for Men and Women in an effort to combine with the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition’s Women’s Health Fair making better use of community resources. This year the event will be held on Saturday, August 17 th at the Floyd County Health Department (located at 16 E. 12 th Street) from 8AM-12PM. Free screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer (FIT kits), cervical cancer (pap smears), and vision and dental screenings will be available.

A new featured service will be the Toe Truck; a mobile foot clinic for those experiencing homelessness and serving the community’s needs. Services provided include foot exams, toenail assessment, trimming and/or debridement of toenails, neuropathic screening, corn and callus paring, wound care, along with preventive foot care education. The Toe Truck is owned and operated by Traci Tillery who stated “This has been a God-given talent/passion of mind and my husband’s for some time. Being a wound care provider for more than 25 years in Floyd County, I realized the importance of your feet! What better way to serve others?” The Atrium Health Floyd Mobile Mammography Unit will also be at the event. To make a mammogram appointment, please call (706) 509-6840 and choose “option 1.”

For more information about the Health Initiative for Men and Women, call 706-204-8081.