Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined a large number of local organizations and businesses to kick off a men’s health resource fair on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in the gymnasium of P.S. 246 Poe Center, located at 2641 Grand Concourse.
The event took place during what’s known as Movember, a month-long period when medical professionals draw attention to men’s health issues. Many men grow mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of Men’s Health issues.
Among the businesses and organizations represented at the kickoff of the resource fair were Planet Fitness, Good Shepherd Services, Men Let’s Talk Initiative, BronxWorks Fatherhood Initiative, NYC Children ACS, Spreading Love Foundation Inc., Friends 2 Fathers, STRIVE, Bronx Fathers Taking Action and more.
This event, held from 3:30-5 p.m., featured speakers addressing the importance of pre-cancer screening, which helps doctors discover cancer at a stage early enough to better treat and possibly cure the patient.
NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi’s George Lederer, Psy.D., of Inpatient Psychiatry, and Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Ignacio Medina spoke about how men respond to mental health challenges through support groups. They also informed attendees about treatment options and counseling available for people dealing with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.
MetroPlus Health Insurance Associate Director of Sales Rasheeda Peterson also spoke at the event. She talked about health care coverage.
After all the speakers finished giving their remarks, nearly a dozen fathers participated in a live workout session sponsored by Planet Fitness. They were joined in this live workout by the Civilian Complaint Review Board and the NYC Department of Social Services.
Those interested in attending upcoming Bronx Fathers Taking Action events can go to bronxboropres.nyc.gov. Residents pursuing medical treatment who are uninsured should call 311.
