WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In the United States, Black men have the lowest life expectancy from birth compared to women and their male counterparts of other racial groups. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This Saturday, the Community Health Alliance for Men’s Health will host its third annual Black Men’s Health Symposium: Raising the Bar for Black Men’s Health.
Dr. Kelvin Lamonte Williams is the Community Liaison and Outreach Specialist for the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He joined WFMY News 2 live in the studio to discuss this year's event.
“We have a clarion call to speak to health equities in our community, but with the real mandate for those communities that are underrepresented and marginalized,” Dr. Williams said. “One of the key points that we continue to hear is the plight of Black men in our communities. We thought, there was no better way to talk about it than to try to change the narrative. That's what this event is targeted for. We are intentional about changing the narrative for Black men in our community.”
The symposium will feature facilitated small group discussions, a Black male health professionals panel, a keynote address, breakfast, and giveaways.
“You will be able to go to a microphone and ask those questions that you might not have the funds to be able to go and pay a copay to be able to go and schedule an appointment,” Dr. Williams said. “Not only that, but panelists will also speak about reproductive health. We have a cardiovascular specialist who will be there as well."
Williams said mental health is another major topic that will be addressed.
“We want to have a panel to say whatever your questions are, you don't even have to ask them,” Dr. Williams said. “We'll provide note cards; you can write them out and we'll have them anonymously asked.”
The Black Men’s Health Symposium: Raising the Bar for Black Men’s Health is Saturday, September 21 from 8:00 am-12:30 pm at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. Registration is required.