Mens Health

DeKalb County

Men’s Health Symposium

Table of Contents 3
3
About the Symposium 3
Goals 3
Objectives 4
Location 5
Approach 5
Results 6
Participants 7
Social Media 7
Feedback 8
Overall 10
World Café Feedback 11
Conclusion 11
Appendixes 14
Appendix A 17
Appendix B 18
For additional information on this initiative contact: 18
Acknowledgements 18
DeKalb County Board of Health Staff 19
Planning Committee Public Officials / Participants
Planning Committee and Volunteers

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About the Symposium

Goals

The Men’s Health Symposium will work to build an army of men working together to address chronic disease,
mental health and environmental issues that affect men’s health.

Objectives

To establish a collaborative partnership between consumers, advocates, providers, and the DeKalb County
Board of Health (DCBOH) to address men’s health in the areas of chronic disease, mental wellbeing, and the
built environment.

Location

The Conference Center of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, GA
June 6, 2015
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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About the Symposium

Approach

Within the framework of public health it has been determined that one of the initial phases of a community
norm change model is to engage the targeted community. The year leading up to the symposium, the DCBOH
staff worked with churches, businesses, community leaders, community based organization and individuals to
establish the framework for the Symposium. As a result, a group of participants representing different segments
of the local community included academia, business, community-based organization, faith-based organization,
government, healthcare, neighborhood or civic association, resident, will work to form a lasting partnerships.
In order to achieve our overall goal of developing partnerships, the framework of the symposium was
segmented into four unique components:
• Chronic Disease
• Mental Wellbeing
• Public Safety and
• Economic Development
The symposium included two sessions:
(a) The morning session provided an opportunity to hear from members of the community serving as

consumers, advocates and providers; and
(b) The afternoon session was designed to hear from all participants utilizing a World Café model. This small

group format served as an effective instrument in collecting ideas, concerns, and solutions from community
partners.
The information from both sessions was captured and will be presented back to the community to serve as the
foundation for future program development.

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Results

Participants

More than 100 individuals and organizations were invited to participate. On the day of the event there were 37
community partners and eight staff in attendance. Of the 37 participants 21 completed an evaluation of the
symposium. The results are as follows:

Social Media

With the assistance of the DeKalb County Division of Marketing and Business Development the symposium
was able to establish #DekalbManUp and connect the event back to @HealthDeKalb. This effort produced more
than 6,500 impressions and 20 engagements.
The following highlights tweet activities for the day and ongoing activities associated with #DekalbManUp and
@HealthyDeKalb.

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Results

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Feedback

The evaluation document was delivered to each participant and 57% completed and returned the survey. From
this group the BOH team was able to extrapolate the following findings. The total number of respondents’ equal
21 and all finding are based on that number. The responses have not been weighted in any way and are
presented as raw data.

Overall

This section provides a snap shot of the respondent’s opinion of the overall execution of the day. The questions
posed in the survey are listed with the responses directly below and bold text. The information below is
separated into two sections for clarity, the overall symposium and world café activities.

OVERALL SYMPOSIUM (n=21)

The symposium purpose and objectives were clearly stated. The symposium location was convenient for me.
95% Agreed or Strongly Agreed 86% Agreed or Strongly Agreed

The symposium time was convenient for me. All meeting participants were actively involved.
95% Agreed or Strongly Agreed 95% Agreed or Strongly Agreed

We used our meeting time effectively Overall, I was satisfied with the symposium.
86% Agreed or Strongly Agreed 95% Agreed or Strongly Agreed

PRESENTATIONS & WORLD CAFE (n=21)

The presentations objectives were clearly defined and stated. The content presented was informative.

100% Agreed or Strongly Agreed 100% Agreed or Strongly Agreed

The content presented will be useful The materials distributed were easy to understand.
100% Agreed or Strongly Agreed 100% Agreed or Strongly Agreed

The World Café activity provided an opportunity for creative
and open conversation.
100% Agreed or Strongly Agreed

The participants provided valuable feedback for the staff and partners. When asked “What was the most
valuable aspect of the event?” The responses leaned heavily toward the Speaker and World café. The specific
speakers identified were Dr. Monica Parker and Brain Health and Mr. Omar Howard’s personal story.. At the
symposium’s conclusion many respondents indicated that they were excited about the next steps and looked
forward to future interaction with others.*

When identifying “What were the least valuable aspects of the event?” the respondents indicated that more
time was needed for question and answers, more time between the World Café discussions, and there was a lot
of information in a short amount of time.*

A number of suggestions were provided as possible follow-up activities. Some of those suggestions included
keeping the participants informed and provide information/contact and make resources available. Additional
sentiments included hands on community events and inner community screening fairs.*

Of the responses shared by the participants, the question associated with “What can be improved about the
Men’s Health Symposium?” may serve a guide for upcoming follow-up meetings. The primary suggestions
included getting more men involved, have more time for the World Café, expand in community(ies), and more
time and more community involvement.*
*(see appendix A for the full list)

The questions from the World Café participants provided information that has been reviewed and grouped into
four or five categories. The areas of interest were Chronic Disease, Mental wellbeing, Economic Development,
and Public Safety. (see appendix B for the full list).

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Feedback

World Café Feedback

The World Café served as an all inclusive small group conversation tool designed to engage participants and
gather information that will work to help guide our work moving forward. These small groups were able to
examine each of the four target areas and provide ideas to staff and partners. The information below represents a
small portion of the ideas presented to the team.

What are some barriers to addressing and getting men involved?

● Lack of awareness, understanding and education
o This was a sentiment across all areas of interest
o One particular comment indicated that there is “too much info (make it simple)
• Solution – Make the participants the lead on educational outreach
• Solution – Get more men involved
● Competing Priorities, communication, and lack of time
o This was a sentiment in three of the four areas
o One suggestion is to start young intervention services
• Solution – Meet men where they are, church, home, work, etc…
• Solution - Address various belief systems, languages, and transportation
• Solution – Reduce stigma and distractions, increase access to healthcare and information
● Financial concerns
o This was a concern across the spectrum
o Concerns included lack of resources, economic and social barriers
o Need for increased financial literacy and finances
o Need for understanding the impact of economic development
• Solution – Return men to the center of the family
• Solution – increase education, awareness, engagement and self-efficacy

Who are some key stakeholders needed?

● Eight key groups were identified as key stakeholders that need to be included.
o Community
o Social and civic agencies
o Educators

o Public officials
o Law enforcement and prison officials

o Media
o Business leaders
o Young people

These key groups can serve as the primary targets to be invited to participate in the development and
implementation of the men’s health initiative for DeKalb County.
 

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Feedback

Who can we best partner for solutions?

A number of solutions were suggested in each of the World Café breakout sessions. The following are a few of
those suggestions that we germane to all four areas.

• The following list represents a portion of the responses

Community Partners/Families Organized Street Teams Sports Entertainment

Utilize Technology More Men Community Based Organizations

Mental Health Professionals Entrepreneurs/Businesses Media

Young People Healthcare professionals Church Leaders

Policies Changes Financial Institutions Law Enforcement

● Some of the activities necessary to attract these partners may include:
o Conduct needs assessment
o Collaborate with community partners
o Engagement one-on-one in the community
o Incentives
o Open and honest dialogue
o Personal involvement
o Make more entrepreneurs
o Use social media
o School credit/internships and
o Get more stakeholders invested in community

Based on the responses of the participants the DeKalb Board of Health’s team will move forward with the
establishment of a men’s health leadership team to address each of the four interest areas. These areas include
chronic disease, mental wellbeing, economic development and public safety.
 

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Conclusion

As a result of the symposium the community partners were able to provide the DCBOH valuable information
and leadership direction for the overall development of the men’s health initiative.
It is important to notice that 18 of the 21 respondents to our survey indicated that they would be will to serve on
a leadership team and assist the DCBOH enhance its outreach.
The next steps in the process is to conduct a follow-up meeting by mid July to establish workable deliverables,
SMART objectives, bench marks, and partnership goals that will lead to empowering men to take control of
their health.
This engagement has served as the DCBOH’s initial intervention and our next steps will address case manage-
ment, access to care, and community empowerment.

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Appendix

Appendix A

Overall Symposium Strongly Agree Natural Disagree Strongly
Agree 9 Disagree
The symposium purpose and 10 3
objectives were clearly stated. 9 10 0
15 7
The symposium location was 8 21 0
convenient for me 11 7
01 0
The symposium time was 13 Agree
convenient for me 9 10 0
8
All meeting participants were 8
actively involved 9
7
We used our meeting time effectively 10 12 0

Overall, I was satisfied with the 13 10 0
symposium Strongly
Natural Disagree Strongly
Presentations and World Cafè Agree Disagree
11
The presentations objectives were 00 0
clearly defined and stated 11
00 0
The content presented was
informative

The content presented will be useful 12 00 0

The materials distributed were easy 11 00 0
to understand 13
00 0
The World Café activity provided an
opportunity for creative and open
conversation

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Appendix

Additional Comments

What was the 1. Brain health presentation and World Café
most valuable 2. Brain Health and Dementia
aspect of the 3. Participation
event? 4. The World Café
5. Group involvement where ideas were exchanged
6. World Café and personal testimonies
7. Multiple topics and World Cafe – Passionate, knowledge people speaking
8. Alzheimer Brain – Story from young men (Omar)
9. Table discussions
10. Open forum on topics aka World Café
11. Conversation among the changing groups
12. The entire event was perfect
13. World Café, I also should have contact information of attendees and their company/

resources available to share
14. Interaction of people
15. The collaboration of so many people working on such a dynamic cause
16. Hearing from the people from the community like Mr. Omar Howard
17. Ability to have interactive discussions

1. Needed time for questions during panel presentations
2. The World Café structure was difficult because in some groups we strayed from the
topic
What were the 3. Truly there were more. Everything was wonderful.
Too much time on Bio’s
least valuable 4. Not enough time between World Café discussions
Story and Café
aspects of the 5. The speeches without questions and answers
Evangelist didn’t say as much as expected
event? 6. A lot of information in a short amount of time

7.

8.

9.

1. How to get involved in the change sources
Speaker who have experience in mental health, personally and cancer survivor’s colon
2. and prostate.
Sign for location
Please suggest Inner community screening fairs
Update of today’s activities
any 3. Information/contact for resources be available
Hands on community events
follow-up 4.

activities. 5.

6.

7.

What can be 1. Get more men involved, have activities to meet them where they are.
improved 2. More time for Café
about the 3. Have is at a school near most populated areas
Men’s Health 4. Expand in community(ies)
Symposium? 5. Time management
6. Awareness
7. More time, more community involvement
8. Provide a supply of flyers for participants to take back to the community

(Farmers Market)

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Appendix

Participant Background

What sector of the community 1 Academia 5 Healthcare
do you represent at this event? 2 Business 4 Neighborhood or civic association
(check all that apply) 7 Community-based organization 3 Resident
2 Faith-based organization ▼Other Please Specify:
2 Government 1 Advocate

Would you come to an event 18 Yes 0 No
like this again?

Would you be interested in 16 Yes 1 No
participating or becoming a
part of a Men’s Health Lead-
ership Team

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Appendix

Appendix B

Chronic Disease Mental Health Economic Public Safety
Development
What are some barriers •Long lasting condition •Stigma – “crazy” •Community policing
to addressing and get- •Connection to others/ (within community
ting men involved? that can be controlled •Outlets (music, drugs) community •Advertisement of
•Financial responsibility programs
but not cured •Unaware of problem •Pride •Paranoia (recent media
•Education events)
•Lack of awareness (denial) o formal •Men removed from
o access the center of the family
•Education •No funds o quality •Self-worth of men
•Awareness •Mistrust of law
•Lots of distractions •Pre-existing o opportunities enforcement
o resources •Disconnect from
•Financial •Invisible o history problem
•Engagement •Viewed from the
•Cultural •Sins (genetic weakness) o businesses, perspective of personal
safety over public
•Selective discrimination •Lack of insurance transportation •Mentoring
o community •Fear to address
•Language and •Lack of services (appro- •Desensitization
organizations •Lack of time
transportation priate) •Self-efficacy •Resources
•Understanding impact
•Hopelessness, lack of •Language barriers (no of economic
development
knowledge translators) •Lack of finances
•Financial literacy
•Lack of insurance •Stigma associated with •Proactive spirit

•Cultural and languages mental health in specific

provided (lack of) communities

•Health literacy •Lack of education

•Healthcare reputation •Various belief systems

(change the negativity) •Segregated (silos)

•Diet/nutrition •Make want people to be

•Access to healthcare “helped)

(transportation, finan- •Lack of “sense of com-

cial, insurance munity”

•Lack of prevention •Meds vs. faith

methods (diet, •Goes against maleness

relaxation, self-care, •Priorities

nutrition) •Quick fix (substances)

•Lack of communication •Interconnectedness of

•What does it mean? services

(knowledge, long length, o Churches

symptoms are o Schools

continuous) o Behavior health

•Communication •Understanding the

•Priorities reason why the person is

•Too much info (make it using

simple) •Need meeting places

•Reducing stigma

•Lack of understanding

about what mental illness

is

•Economic & social

barriers

•Competing priorities

•Everyday man doesn’t

even understand what it

means

•Start young intervention

services

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Appendix

Who are some key •Academia •Business owners •Collaborations •Leaders in the
stakeholders needed? •Local businesses community
•Social & civic •Faith-based partners •National organizations •Community
•Policy making stakeholders
organizations •Justice •Young people •Law enforcement
•Community leaders •Parents
•CDC •Churches •Politicians •Community leaders

•National organizations •Consumer

•Pastors •Legislatures

•Mentors •DeKalb leadership

•Teachers •Families

•Prison Wards •Cross-section

•Chamber of commerce •Providers

•Youth leaders •Influencers

•Multiple healthcare •Hair salons / barber

providers shops

•Community (everyone, •Any place people

all inclusive) congregate

•Faith-based community •Youth

•Funders •Peers

•Legislators •Policy makers

•Businesses •Elected officials

•Community leaders •Non-profits

•Business owners •Consumers

•Members of community •Collaborations

•Policymakers •Business community

•Schools •Insurance companies

•Youth (peer leadership)

•Consumer advocates

•Grass roots

•Professionals

•Pastors

•Respected leaders

•Schools (professors)

•Medical professional

•Parents

•Media – “Tyler Perry”

•Change makers,

politicians

•Funding

•Jail and prison officials

•Education

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Appendix

How can we best •Prevention and •Needs assessment •Community •Programming by
partner for solutions? education •Social events engagement police (Cops &
•Collaborate with •Organize street teams •School system Coffee)
community partners (knock on doors) •Parents/family •Networks (Leaders in
•Transportation for •Economic enhancement •Community the community)
medical •Pay families organizations, politics •Making more
•Communication •School credit / •Voting – Political entrepreneurs
between and among internships change and advocacy •Taking back our
healthcare providers •Give people a day off •Reach out to financial community
•Available resources for with pay institutions •Stakeholders not
easier navigation •Policy changes •Sense of unity invested in
•Need money for grant •Go to faith-based •Voting community
fundraising organizations •Needs assessment •Commitment to help
Key stakeholders •Do community outreach •Engagement / education •PAL
•Community based events •Social action •Organizational
organizations •Mental health checkups opportunities collaboration
• Faith based •Streamline service •Social media
organizations providers •Go to where they are
•Local businesses •Church leaders being located
•Barber/beauty shops more aware •Personal involvement
•“Common” people •Open 24/7
•Advertisement •Marketing & availability
•Sports entertainment •Self-interest for “the
•Testimonials group”
•Method of education •Write letters to
•Engagement one-on- stakeholders with action
one in the community items
•Access to affordable •Engage where they are
screening at (go to them)
• Utilizing technology •Take services to
•Incentives consumers
•Open, honest dialogue •Social media
•Reach health department
office lobbies
•Host forums
•Be available at different
levels
•Get key players to see
how it is better for
everyone.
•Build systems
•Incubate professional
modeling

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Appendix

For additional information on this initiative contact:

Gregory A. Bolden, PhD, MSHA
Men's Health Initiative/Public Health Educator
DeKalb County Board of Health
445 Winn Way, Suite 364
Decatur, GA 30030
voicemail 404-294-3746
email address: [email protected]

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Acknowledgements

Thank You to the following for your assistance.

DeKalb County Board of Health Staff

S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A Latresh Davenport, MPH
District Health Director Health Promotion Specialist - Nutrition for our REACH
program
Leslie J. Richmond, MD, MBA Health Assessment and Promotion
Division Director, Community Health and Prevention
Services Alyssa Soluren, MPH
Public Health Education Consultant
Zipatly Mendoza, MPH Office of Chronic Disease Prevention
Health Assessment and Promotion Manager Health Assessment and Promotion
DeKalb County Board of Health
Myrlene Hoyte
Don Brundage Program Associate
Clinical Operations Specialist Health Assessment & Promotion
Community Health and Preventive Services
DeKalb County Board of Health Samuel Culbreath III
Assistant PHAB Coordinator
Sedessie Spivey DeKalb County Board of Health
Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator
Health Assessment and Promotion Angelle “Nikki” Rozier
Webmaster and Social Media Coordinator
Gregory A. Bolden, PhD, MSHA Marketing and Business Development
Men’s Health Initiative/Public Health Educator DeKalb County Board of Health
DeKalb County Board of Health
Bob Graham,
DeKalb County Board of Health
Building Operations Supervisor

Planning Committee Public Officials / Participants

Commissioner, Larry Johnson Kirsten Corlette Moore
DeKalb County District 3 Executive Secretary
Office of Zachary L. Williams
Zachary L. Williams Executive Assistant
Chief Operating Officer
DeKalb County, GA Smith Turner, Kim Council Member, Robert Hogan,
Administrative Coordinator City of Clarkston
Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 3

18 | Page

Acknowledgements

Planning Committee Public Officials / Participants

Andrade, Adriana Division of HIV/AIDS prevention
Community Health Advocate Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Hall, James, Dr.
Norris, Keri L., Dr. Executive Chairman
Chief of Health Policy & Administration National Minority Prostate Cancer Association. Inc
The Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority (NMPCA)

Becknel, Sam Jr. Walters, Thomas
Chief Strategist Service Coordinator
Strategy Group, Inc. College Park Housing Senior Activity Center
Izula, Lorry
Dana Patterson DeKalb County Board of Health
Community Outreach Coordinator to Office of chronic disease prevention
Debra DeBerry, DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Live healthy DeKalb Coalition-Intern
Court, DeKalb County Courthouse
Blackwell, Darryl M. Washington, Roland
LWSC Facility Coordinator Special Projects Manager, Human Development
Lou Walker Senior Center DeKalb County Government
Jackson, Nettie
Riley, John, Regional Director
Executive Director Multi-Cultural Initiatives
Georgia Diabetes Coalition Greater Southeast Affiliate
Braithwaite, Julia, RN American Heart Association / American Stroke
DeKalb County Board of Health Association
Office of chronic disease prevention West, Phillip
Live healthy DeKalb Coalition-Intern Family Health Advocate
East Lake Healthy Connections
Stokes, Connie - Moderator Laucirica, Esther, MHS, PA-C
Former Georgia State Senator and Program Coordinator / Physician Assistant
2014 Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor of JHU/PepsiCo Employee Health and Wellness Center
Georgia John Hopkins Medicine
Cooper, Mary, Pharm D
Account Representative White, Greg
Novo Nordisk Director
City of Decatur Active Living
Tisdale, Walker Nguyen, Tranh N.
Executive Director Community Health Advocate
Health Institute for Men (HIM), Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
Gooden, Reginald MPH
Research Associate Wimbush, Michele,
Center for Cancer Research & Therapeutic Program Manager
Development (CCRTD) BMS Foundation/ ToD Partnership for Diabetes Health
Clark Atlanta University Equity Project
Reid, Laurie, RN, MS Morehouse School of Medicine
Captain, US Public Health Services

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