By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
St. Mark Baptist Church hosted a Male Wellness Breakfast on Saturday, May 31, gathering the community for discussion of healthcare changes that impact men.
State Representatives Elgin Rogers and Brian Lorenz sponsored the event centered on health care professionals in areas of expertise on Medicaid, oral care and men’s total health.
Reverend Curley L. Johnson welcomed the guest speakers: Dr. Atwan Atia, Md.; Dr. Lawerence Monger Jr., MD.; Benefit Advisor Sheena Bailey, and recent dental hygienist graduates from Owens Community College.
Rep. Rogers introduced the audience to each of these professionals for a community Q&A presentation. “This day is to provide accurate information so that people can make quality and informed decisions,” said Rep. Rogers about his goal for the event.
The event occurred just before the first day of June, the month he and State Representative Brian Lorenzo have initiated House Bill 207 to be recognized as Male Awareness Month. The bill calls for action to dedicate the third Monday of June to “Take your Dad to the Doctor and Dentist Day,” which this year will fall directly after Father’s Day.
If passed, the bipartisan bill would engage 88 counties with the promotion of the male health and family medical advocacy. State Rep. Rogers stated “House bill 207 aims to address disparities” in his testimony for the bill introduction.
Under the bill, the Ohio Department of Health would promote initiatives to raise awareness and cultivate a social effort of proactive health care for men across urban, rural, and suburban communities. The community can expect to be introduced to the initiatives through the Ohio Departments of Health web pages and informational materials.