Present Pillars Partners with Local Municipalities to Designate June as Men's Health Month

Present Pillars Partners with Local Municipalities to Designate June as Men's Health Month

Present Pillars, in collaboration with local municipalities, proudly announces the designation of June as Men's Health Month in Berrien County, fostering a community-wide commitment to men's wellness and preventative healthcare initiatives.

The initiative gained momentum with significant support from key local officials. On June 1, 2024, 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 on May 20th, 2024, echoing the commitment to men's health advocacy. Furthermore, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on May 23, 2024, solidifying the county's endorsement of Men's Health Month.

These efforts were celebrated during a luncheon hosted at the Pillar Center on June 3rd, 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, who attended the luncheon, 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 mean, I think men also need acknowledgment and uplifting and encouragement to make our community a better place."

Supervisor Cathay 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 resolution 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.”

In honor of June being Men's Health Month, Present Pillars has multiple events planned. They are partnering with the Renaissance Athletic Club for a men's health challenge, offering a free membership to the man who loses the most weight by the end of the month. Join them on June 12 at Silver Harbor Brewing Company from 6:00pm to 10:00pm for Dads, Burgers & Brews. On June 13, attend a discussion about the importance of fatherhood in education at 133 W Main Street in Benton Harbor from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. On June 14, enjoy a free lunch provided by Silver Beach Pizza at Jean Klock Park from 11 am to 1 pm, and later, a cooking class at 5:30 pm. Look for Josef Bullocks in the Juneteenth Parade on June 15, and join the Juneteenth Festival at Dwight P Mitchell Park. They will conclude Dad Week ‘24 on June 16 with the Father’s Day Light Show at Jean Klock Park on June 16th at 9:00pm.

For more information on the many events Present Pillars will be hosting during June, visit their

facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PresentPillars.

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Byline: Nicholas Gunn, Volunteer writer for Present Pillars