Free health conference seeks to educate men of color about sexual, mental, physical health

Posted at 4:30 AM, Dec 13, 2019

and last updated 5:33 AM, Dec 13, 2019

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A free health conference Saturday seeks to educate men of color.

Thrive Health Connection, formerly known as the Good Samaritan Project, is hosting the "Think Like A Man" Men's Health & Empowerment Conference. Organizers said the goal is to open the conversation about sexual, mental, physical and financial health for African American and Latino men.

"I think one of the biggest things stigma-wise, when it comes to men of color, is we don't actually take care of our health. We're taught to be providers, but the health is the last thing we really focus on," said Langston Jones, the community prevention specialist at Thrive Health Connection.

Jones spearheaded the conference, saying the idea came as he thought about his generation. He believes that while some men put the focus on partying and having a good time, they often times forget to think about their health holistically and taking care of one another.

The conference will bring in several speakers, including Craig Donnell, Jr., a health and life coach, and Rev. Randy Fikki. From the medical field, Dr. Jerald Payne will bring his knowledge as a psychotherapist and Obie Arthur is a family nurse practitioner. Management consultant Kiwan R. Lawson will also speak at the conference.

It will be at the Kauffman Foundation from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Breakfast and lunch will be served.