June is Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventable health conditions, encouraging early detection, and helping men take a more active role in their physical and mental well-being.
This year, the Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) is hosting several community events focused on helping men learn more about their health and connect with resources that can support healthier lives.
“These events will help men put their health first by addressing key concerns, such as heart disease, cancer risks, nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being,” AMHC Director Kenya Eddings says.
While men's health affects everyone, the challenges men face are not always the same from one community to another. Understanding those differences is an important step toward improving health outcomes across Arkansas.
Men's Health Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Experience
Health concerns can look very different depending on a person's background, culture, and access to care. That's why AMHC focuses on tailoring health education and outreach efforts to the needs of the communities it serves.
Kenya notes that while heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Americans overall, some populations face additional health concerns.
“Historically, men have been raised to ‘tough-it-out’ and focus on providing for the family and not addressing their own health,” she says.
That mindset can make it harder for men to seek medical care, discuss mental health concerns, or address symptoms before they become more serious. By creating welcoming spaces for conversation and education, AMHC hopes to encourage more men to prioritize their health.
Common Health Concerns Facing Men
Heart disease remains one of the most significant health risks for men. High blood pressure, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, and mental health concerns also continue to affect men across Arkansas.
For some communities, additional barriers can make accessing care more difficult.
“A number of African American men continue to experience mistrust of the healthcare system,” Kenya adds. “Marshallese and Spanish-speaking men may experience language barriers that make communicating health concerns and accessing healthcare more of a challenge.”
Recognizing and addressing those barriers is a critical part of improving health outcomes.
Preventive Care Can Catch Problems Early
One of the most important messages of Men's Health Month is that feeling healthy does not always mean everything is healthy beneath the surface.
Preventive care helps identify issues before symptoms appear. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because many people have no warning signs. Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers can also develop for years before noticeable symptoms occur.
Routine checkups and screenings give healthcare providers an opportunity to detect these conditions earlier, when treatment is often more effective.
Mental Health Is Part of Men's Health
Mental health has also become an increasingly important part of conversations about men's health, particularly among younger generations. However, stigma and reluctance to seek help remain challenges for many men.
To combat this stigma, AMHC is hosting a Blueprint for Brotherhood event on June 27 to help open the door for conversations about health screenings, physical fitness, nutrition, and more. 
“Partnerships with community-based organizations like the UAMS Barbershop Talk and the City of Little Rock’s Midnight Basketball program are promising opportunities because they focus on engaging young minority men,” Kenya says.
She also emphasized the importance of building emotional resilience early in life.
“Our summer camp, Camp iCAN, for kids aged 9–12, is not designed specifically for boys, but it does have an element focused on social and emotional health for both boys and girls,” she adds. “Helping children develop emotional fortitude and resilience will go a long way as they get older.”
Creating opportunities for healthy conversations about emotions, stress, and mental well-being can help future generations develop healthier habits that last into adulthood.
“We want it to be an enjoyable experience, so we’ve planned a few fun brain breaks to let everyone stretch, connect, and recharge.”
Self-Care Is For Men, Too
Many of the AMHC events are designed to challenge the misconception that self-care is something men should ignore or put off.
“I hope attendees walk away with a renewed understanding that self-care is not just for women,” Kenya says. “It’s about prioritizing one’s health, and that means making and keeping regular age-appropriate doctor’s appointments, eating healthier, refraining from tobacco or getting help quitting, engaging in regular physical activity, and keeping stress levels at a minimum.”
Healthy habits don't have to begin with major lifestyle changes. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference over time.
Taking the First Step Starts With a Doctor's Visit
For many men, scheduling a doctor's appointment can feel intimidating, especially if it's been several years since their last visit.
Programs like ConnectCare help Arkansans on Medicaid find or change their primary care provider.
“I’d like anyone who hasn’t seen their doctor in a while to know that doctors and other healthcare providers are not judges or preachers. They are trusted partners,” Kenya says.
Regular visits give patients an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and better understand their health.
“Before you arrive at your appointment, write down the questions you’d like your provider to answer,” Kenya says. “Sometimes, patients get so caught up in listening to the expert that they forget to ask questions themselves.”
During a routine visit, healthcare providers may check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and other indicators of overall health. Understanding those numbers can help patients make informed decisions about their care.
“The Arkansas Department of Health can assist in finding a healthcare provider that’s right for you,” Kenya adds. “ADH has a total of 92 local health units around the state. Some counties have multiple units. Call ADH at 501-686-2000 to find the LHU closest to you.”
Building Trust Through Community Conversations
Community events can do more than provide health information. They can create opportunities for people to ask questions, share concerns, and build trust with healthcare professionals.
“Men often don’t access the healthcare system because of historical mistrust. They don’t feel ‘listened to.’ These events help reassure attendees that they are seen and heard,” Kenya says. “That helps rebuild their trust.”
As Men's Health Month continues, conversations like these can help encourage more men to take an active role in their health, not just in June, but throughout the year.
For more AMHC events, scroll through their event calendar or look up AMHC on social media – Facebook (@arminorityhealth), Instagram (arminorityhealthco), and X (@ARMinorityHealt).
