The Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Wayne Mobile Health Unit, the Edward Section of Community and Public Health, other health care providers and community stakeholders will join to host “Brother, Let’s Talk: A Conversation on Black Men’s Health,” a symposium to address health disparities affecting Black men, on April 13 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.

Black men are disproportionately affected by multiple diseases and health challenges compared to other demographics due to several factors, including education, socioeconomic status, and in some cases, genetics. The symposium will provide attendees with access to insightful conversations, resources and screenings to encourage Black men to take control of their health.

“Black men are at the highest risk for premature death from heart disease among all races, sexes and ethnicities in the United States,” said Philip Levy, M.D., M.P.H., professor of Emergency Medicine for Wayne State University’s School of Medicine and WSU’s associate vice president for Translational Sciences. “Much of this risk comes from inaction as it relates to screening and treatment for things like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and obesity. Programs like this can help, but people have to engage to achieve success.”

WSU’s Mobile Health Unit will be available at the symposium, offering services from registered nurses, medical/research assistants, community health workers, patient and family health advocates, and Wayne State physicians. Attendees will have access to health screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney disease, COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccines and other services.

In addition, attendees will sit in on conversations focused on mental health, physical health, the importance of regular exercise and yearly physicals facilitated by Collin Mays, philanthropist and entrepreneur; Harold “Woody” Neighbors, professor and researcher; and cardiologist Keith Newby, M.D.

“Black men are at greater risk for health issues compared to our counters,” said Mays, a health advocate who has lost 200 pounds. “We often deal with issues beyond our control that cause these illnesses. We've never had a safe space to talk. This event offers us that safe space.”

Those interested in attending “Brother, Let’s Talk: A Conversation on Black Men’s Health” can register for the free event at https://brotherletstalk.eventbrite.com.