From the Desk of the County Manager, May 29, 2026

June is Men's Health Month, and Durham County is proud to stand alongside communities nationwide in highlighting the importance of health and well-being of men and boys. This year’s national theme, “Partners in Care,” carries a message that is both simple and profound: men's health does not happen in isolation. It is built and sustained by the partners, families, friends, employers, and neighbors who surround every man and boy in our lives.

The stakes are high and the statistics are startling: In the United States, men die an average of six years earlier than women, largely from conditions that are preventable or manageable with early detection and consistent care. Heart disease remains the leading killer of American men, claiming one life every 34 seconds, according to the American Heart Association. Men are also significantly more likely than women to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke disproportionately affect men, particularly those who delay seeking care or lack a consistent relationship with a healthcare provider.

Mental health is another critical and often overlooked dimension of men's health. Men die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women, yet are far less likely to seek help or talk openly about depression, anxiety, or emotional distress. Substance use disorders, including alcohol misuse, also carry higher rates among men and frequently go untreated. The Movember Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health both offer resources specifically tailored to men navigating these challenges.

Durham County is committed to helping close the gap on these outcomes, and June is filled with opportunities for employees and residents to commit to wellness.

• Free health screenings are available every Tuesday and Thursday morning throughout June at the Human Services Complex, 414 E. Main St., with no appointment needed. Screenings are an easy first step to learn and understand key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
• On Saturday, June 14, Durham County is co-hosting a Men's Health Community Fair at the Durham County Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St., from 10:00 a.m., to 2:00 p.m. The free event is open to all residents and families, and brings together local health resources.
• During International Men's Health Week, observed June 15 through 21, county departments will share health resources throughout the week.
• A focused prostate and colorectal cancer awareness event is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, a timely reminder that early screening saves lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that men begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, and prostate cancer conversations with a doctor should start even earlier for those at elevated risk.
• Every Friday in June (June 5, 12, 19, and 26), employees and residents are encouraged to wear blue in solidarity with men's health awareness. Share your photo using #DurhamWearBlue and #MensHealthMonth.

“Men’s Health Month offers us an important opportunity to remind men and boys in our community that their health matters,” said Dr. Rodney Jenkins, Durham County Public Health Director. “Taking simple, proactive steps -- like getting screened, checking in with a provider, or reaching out for support -- can make a meaningful difference in long‑term well‑being. Here in Durham, we remain committed to ensuring that every man and boy has access to the information, resources, and support needed to stay healthy. Our Men’s Health Council at the Durham County Department of Public Health is vibrant and dedicated to championing men’s health issues each month through education, activities, and outreach. By continuing to look out for one another, we can help build a stronger, healthier community for all.”

The month closes with Father's Day on June 21, a meaningful moment to honor the fathers and father figures and to recognize the vital role men play as caregivers, role models, and active partners in the health of their families and communities.

For national resources and health information, visit www.MensHealthMonth.org. Durham County residents can connect with local health services through the Department of Public Health at 919-560-7756 or at www.dcopublichealth.org.

With continued awareness, outreach, and tapping into healthcare programs and community resources, we can make measurable progress in improving men’s health across our community.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager

Durham County Manager