June is Men’s Health Month. It is observed in various ways across Southwest Michigan. In Benton Harbor and Benton Township, Present Pillars has stepped forward to focus the observance and try to coordinate activities. Organizers hope the result will be fostering a community-wide commitment to men’s wellness and preventative healthcare initiatives.
The effort gained momentum with significant support from key local officials. On June 1, Mayor Marcus Muhmad of Benton Harbor signed a proclamation, officially recognizing June as Men’s Health Month and designating the week preceding Father’s Day as Dad Week. Similarly, Benton Charter Township Supervisor, Cathy Yates, signed a proclamation echoing the commitment to men’s health advocacy. And, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution solidifying the county’s endorsement of Men’s Health Month.
These efforts were celebrated during a luncheon hosted at Present Pillars ‘Pillar Center’ on June 3rd. The Pillar Center is located at 240 West Main Street in downtown Benton Harbor. The event brought together local community officials, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the importance of men’s health while commemorating this significant achievement.
State Representative Joey Andrews of Michigan’s 38th district attended the luncheon and expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “It’s really cool to see all the local communities come together with the county and the city lining up on something that doesn’t happen super often. So that’s great. I’m always excited to support James and Present Pillars and all the great stuff they’re doing here at the Community.”
Reflecting on the collaborative effort, 5th district Berrien County Commissioner Rayonte’ Bell said, “It is good to see the county and local municipalities aligned on a particular issue. It’s seeing that in Berrien County, but I think we’re making great strides in progress towards such things. And also, you know, just uplifting the men in the community. I think men also need acknowledgment and uplifting and encouragement to make our community a better place.”
Supervisor Cathy Yates of Benton Charter Township expressed pride in presenting the proclamation on behalf of the township, emphasizing the importance of men’s health advocacy. “I believe men’s health is important, and I think for too long we’ve seen men not being taken care of,” she stated. “We need our men to help raise our children, and I hope this proclamation is a sign to our men that we care for them and we need them here.”
The proclamations and resolutions underscore the critical need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address men’s health issues. Recognizing the disparities in health outcomes among men, especially among marginalized communities, the initiative aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices, early detection of health problems, and the destigmatization of seeking medical assistance.
Each proclamation not only declares June as Men’s Health Month, but it also declares the week preceding Father’s Day as Dad Week. With Present Pillars working with each municipality to get proclamations signed, their executive director James Gunter said “We are greatly appreciative of our local leaders for helping us get these proclamations. Men in our community need to see that they are cared for and that they are loved. Because when there are happy fathers, it leads to a healthy family and healthy families lead to healthy communities.”
Photo credit: Nicholas Gunn & Present Pillars
For more information on events Present Pillars will be hosting during June, visit their
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PresentPillars.
By Nicholas Gunn, MOTM Contributor
