DETROIT (WXYZ) — With the COVID-19 pandemic shining a light on health disparities, especially among people of color, and triggering a greater mortality rate in men, as well as causing countless individuals to delay routine health care services, preventative health care is of high concern. To continue offering accessible health care, The MIU Men's Health Foundation will host its 10th annual Men's Health Event on Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a new approach in a new environment to comply with current health and safety standards.
Metro Detroit-area men 18 years and older with or without insurance are encouraged to get in the driver's seat and take control of their health during this event, with free drive-through screenings offered at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. Services will include vital screenings, a bloodwork panel, flu vaccinations, COVID-19 nasal swab and antibody testing, and HIV testing. All tests are offered without participants leaving their vehicles.
The event provides men with an assessment of their current health and screenings for some of the most treatable diseases. Since many illnesses are preventable, the event also offers a better understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle, information about men's health topics and increased awareness about advances in health care. Job fair and vocational information will also be provided.
The free health screenings and tests will be provided in partnership with Wayne State University Physicians Group and are comprehensively valued at more than $500. In addition to standard vital measurements, blood screenings will test for:
· Full lipid profile
· Liver function
· Diabetes
· Kidney function
· Basic Metabolic Panel
· Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
· Uric acid
In addition to prostate cancer screenings, colorectal cancer FIT Kits will also be available.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to reserve a time slot. Advanced registration is available by texting MHE 2020 to 483-55 or online at TheMensHealthEvent.com.
The goal is to guide 500 cars through the screening process, with a timeline of 15 minutes per car. To enhance social distancing, iPads will be used to check in those in attendance, and participants can access a link through their cell phones to complete survey questions. With the event set up just 100 yards from the Eight Mile and Woodward bus depot, walk-up screening and vaccines will be available through a separate entrance for individuals who do not have their own transportation.
In addition to the health services offered, each vehicle will be given a box of food courtesy of Gleaners Community Food Bank, containing fresh produce, lean protein and shelf stable items.
For those attending on foot, bagged lunches will be provided, courtesy of Jack Aronson and Jack's Roadside BBQ. Men will also receive voting and voting rights information, including voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications, courtesy of Secretary of State, as part of their attendee informational bags.
More than 100 volunteers will be working the event, including licensed health professionals, operating 10 covered tents where the screenings will take place. All will be trained for and practice current health safety standards, including wearing face masks.
Detailed descriptions of all blood tests and screenings are available at: https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/screening-details
Men who choose to participate in the blood screening tests will receive a copy and explanation of their results by text or by mail for those without a smartphone.
