The 100 Black Men of Rome-Northwest Georgia Health Initiative returns for 16th year

The 100 Black Men of RomeNorthwest Georgia will hold its 16th annual Health Initiative Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Floyd County Health Department.

The event at 16 E. 12th St. is free and is open for men and women, but Rayford Horne, president of the group, said it’s aimed at being more of a family event, opening the door for children and teens. Screenings for both men and women will cover blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, prostate cancer, skin cancer and vision. Also, breast exams, Pap smears and dental screenings will be available, as well as mammograms by appointment.

Horne said when the event first started, it was specifically meant for providing access for men to get prostate cancer screenings. But over the years it has grown to envelope a wide swath of screenings, and this will be the second year it has been expanded to officially include women. Prior to last year, some women had come to the event and were helped, but it wasn’t a full- blown event for women as well.

To make a mammogram appointment call 706-509-6840. Door prizes, healthcare seminars and refreshments will be offered. For more information about the health initiative call 706-291-9809.

Information booths will be set up as well, offering a wide variety of health and wellness materials.

There will also be a “stuff the bus” drive. Community member are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate.

“We’ve partnered with local medical providers for years now,” said Horne. “We usually have between 300 to 400 people come from Floyd County and surrounding counties, including the neighboring counties of Alabama.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, but it can often be treated successfully if detected early. Larry G. Morrow Sr., a member of the organization, was diagnosed with prostate cancer during the 2011 Health Initiative. Now he is cancer free.