June is National Men’s Health Month—a dedicated time to spotlight the unique and often overlooked health challenges that men face, and to promote early detection, wellness education, and life-saving preventive care.
At Medical Professionals on a Mission (MPOM), we are working to close the health gap affecting men in Caribbean nations and underserved U.S. communities, where barriers such as stigma, poverty, lack of awareness, and limited access to culturally competent care continue to fuel preventable illness and early death.
Why Men’s Health Needs a Spotlight
Globally and locally, men live shorter lives than women. According to data from both the CDC and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA):
- Men are less likely to seek medical attention for routine or preventative care.
- Many delay treatment until symptoms are severe, reducing chances of early intervention.
- Men have higher rates of heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes, and mental health struggles, including depression and suicide.
- In both the Caribbean and U.S., Black and Afro-Caribbean men are disproportionately affected by these health conditions.
In Caribbean households and U.S. immigrant families alike, men often carry the cultural expectation of being “strong” and “silent.” Health concerns are minimized or ignored. Unfortunately, this mindset leads many men to suffer in silence—often until it’s too late.
MPOM’s Bi-Regional Mission
Medical Professionals on a Mission is uniquely positioned to serve communities on both sides of the Caribbean Sea. Our work is focused on:
Caribbean Region
- Partnering with local clinics, ministries, and non-governmental organizations to provide:
- Community-based screenings for prostate cancer, hypertension, and diabetes
- Health education in culturally familiar spaces—like barbershops, churches, and town halls
- Mental health conversations for men, using peer support models to reduce stigma
- Engaging with local volunteers and diaspora healthcare workers to build sustainability
United States
- Offering pop-up wellness screenings in underserved Black and Caribbean-American communities
- Providing referrals to trusted medical providers who offer culturally responsive care
- Coordinating with faith leaders, fraternities, and nonprofits to host men’s health days, talkbacks, and wellness fairs
- Advocating for equitable access to diagnostics, behavioral health services, and ongoing follow-up
Key Screenings Every Man Should Get This Month
Whether you’re in the city or on an island, prevention is your first defense. We encourage all men ages 30+ to speak with a provider about:
- Blood Pressure Check
- Cholesterol and Lipid Panel
- Diabetes (A1C or fasting glucose)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Mental Health Evaluation
- HIV and STI Testing
🧠 Don’t wait until it hurts. Preventive care saves lives—and it starts with one simple check-up.
Faith, Family & Brotherhood: Meeting Men Where They Are
One of MPOM’s greatest strengths is our faith-based and community-rooted approach. We understand that in many Caribbean and U.S. cultures, men are more likely to respond to messages that resonate with their roles as fathers, husbands, leaders, and providers.
That’s why we bring men’s health to:
- 🔹 Churches and Men’s Ministries
- 🔹 Barbershops and Cultural Centers
- 🔹 Workplaces, gyms, and sports clubs
- 🔹 Community events, parades, and festivals
We also use real stories from real men—not just stats—to show the power of early intervention, the strength in vulnerability, and the reward of taking charge of your health.
How You Can Be a Part of the Mission
No matter your location, you can support men’s health this month:
💬 If you’re a faith leader:
Invite MPOM to host a men’s health seminar, wellness Sunday, or barbershop talk.
🧰 If you’re a healthcare provider:
Partner with us to offer screenings, referrals, and educational support.
💵 If you’re a sponsor or business owner:
Donate wellness kits, cover lab costs, or provide water/snacks at mobile events.
🤲 If you’re a community member:
Encourage the men in your life to get screened and share our resources on social media.
This Men’s Health Month, let’s not just raise awareness—let’s change the narrative.
Let’s challenge the silence. Let’s normalize check-ups and therapy. Let’s provide access to culturally relevant care. And let’s remind every man that taking care of your health is an act of strength, not weakness.
We are Medical Professionals on a Mission, and we’re here to ensure that no man is left behind.
📞 Contact us to host an event, volunteer, or support the mission today.
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