Since the inception of the Men’s Health Forum, first introduced by the late Robert (Bob) Samuels (pictured), more than 10,000 men have received health screenings.

The forum began as the African-American Men’s Health Forum in 2000 in an effort to reduce the gap in health outcomes for Black males and others in the community. Samuels had a growing concern because of the number of Black men who were dying after the illness had been found in late stages. The forum expanded to other nationalities in 2010.

The 2013 Bi-Lingual Men’s Health Forum will be held on Saturday, March 9th at the University of South Florida Tampa Campus in the Marshall Center. Although the forum is aimed at the medically underserved, all men are welcome to come out and get their wellness check-ups. Doors open at 8 a. m.

Information is available on a variety of topics and there are health screenings. Pre-registration is recommended at 1-888-MOFFITT (663-3488), press #5 or visit http://www.MHFTTampa.com.

According to statistics released from the 2012 forum, Erika Harris, External Relations Liaison at Moffitt Cancer Center, said 523 men attended.

496 men examined, 63% were uninsured

324 men tested, 47% had pre-hypertension, 38% had high blood pressure

270 men were eligible to receive a voucher for free testing at Moffitt Cancer Center

107 men completed the prostate exam, 20 had abnormal results

190 men received skin cancer exam, 29% received referrals for further examination

Of 350 men tested randomly, 20% were at risk for diabetes

52 men tested, 56% had some sing of depression.

These services are provided at no cost. Support and donations come from several local groups and agencies.