More than 80% of Black men in Detroit have high blood pressure, and over half don’t even know it. On Saturday, July 18, the African American Male Wellness Agency is hoping to change that - one screening at a time.
Black Men’s Wellness Day returns to Renaissance High School on July 18 at 7 a.m., offering free health screenings, a 5K run, a kids’ zone, a senior pavilion, and connections to community health resources - all at no cost to attendees.
Demetrius Scott, a representative with the African American Male Wellness Agency and a Renaissance alum, said the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“Black men are disproportionately affected by preventable diseases,” Scott said. “And the big reason, because we’re not going to the doctor. Often once we go to the doctor, it’s because it’s too late.”
The event is designed to lower the barriers that keep men from seeking routine care. Rather than a clinical setting, organizers frame it as a community celebration - complete with entertainment and family activities.
“We like to bring the clinic to the community,” Scott said. “When you come, you don’t think, ‘Hey, I’m at a doctor’s appointment.’ Hey, I’m at a family reunion. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have at a doctor’s appointment. And there’s no intimidation. And most importantly, it’s completely free.”
Scott said the free component is critical, given that cost is one of the most common reasons men delay care.
The initiative has been running nationally for over 20 years. At nearly every event, Scott said, emergency medical staff on site have flagged participants with dangerously elevated blood pressure - men who felt perfectly healthy.
“Often you feel good, you look good, but you may not be doing well,” he said. “They call it the silent killer.”
For Scott, the event carries personal significance. A Detroit native and Renaissance graduate, he said the message he wants to leave with Black men is rooted in family and community obligation.
“When I go and know my numbers and take care of myself, I’m not only doing it for myself, I’m doing it for my children, I’m doing it for my wife, I’m doing it for the people that depend on me,” he said. “It’s a lot of people depending on you, so if you don’t take care of yourself and know your numbers, how you’re going to take care of your family in the community?”
His closing appeal was direct: “Black men, we care about you. We need you there. Once you take care of yourself and know your numbers, you can go out and be better in the community.”
The 5K begins at 9 a.m. For more information, visit aawellness.org.