On a breezy evening in Chester, the Delaware County Black Caucus Health and Welfare Committee (DCBC) collaborated with Laborer’s Local 413 to host a different kind of Men’s Health forum. It appears that the draw was the jazz tunes that echoed through the union hall–but
the message was one of utmost importance to the male population, especially African American men.
Men are generally not known for visiting physicians, and most don’t have a primary care doctor they see on a regular basis for routine health screenings. Based on the societal beliefs of how males are supposed to show strength, not complain, and be self-reliant, resisting routine exams is the norm with most men.
The speakers were Drs. Johnathan Harold and Derrick Mobley on a panel moderated by Nurse Rusheev Lee. Dr. Onaje Muid, the Fatherhood Coordinator at the Foundation for Delaware County, was a speaker as well. Muid, a father and a grandfather in a blended family with over 35 years in behavioral health, is well-versed in men’s health issues.
A light supper was served as the sounds of Jazz permeated the air.
Darren A. Laws, Sr., an educator who attended the
event, spoke openly about his battle with prostate cancer and his fear of reaching out to ask for help during this period. Laws shared, “I believe that men’s egos are in the way when it comes to healthcare because there’s fear of the unknown; many men haven’t had great experi- ences with healthcare professionals, particularly in the African American community, I do believe that there needs to be more outreach, communication, support net- works, and education. This event was an excellent start in that direction.”
The band MJS Trio, comprised of three recent graduates from West Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, delighted the crowded room with beautiful music.
