'Blue Monday' pushes awareness for men's health

People in Milwaukee and across the country are wearing blue today to raise awareness for men's health issues. It's supposed to raise awareness for health education and engagement. Both of those are barriers stopping men from staying healthy or getting help for their health. Many events are hosted at MATC's downtown campus. Campus leaders say it's a centrally located spot for it.

\"If you go within about a mile radius you find almost every socioeconomic, every ethnic, gender, all types of different slices of our community,\" MATC Director of Counseling, Advising, and Career Planning Walter Lanier said. \"A lot of those intersections come through here. It's a great place to disseminate information for the benefit, of not just our community, inside MATC, but also outside MATC.\"

A big event is set for Tuesday, June 16. Wellness checks, health & insurance information.

MILWAUKEE - On Monday, June 15, Mayor Tom Barrett and the City of Milwaukee Health Department will join organizations locally and nationally in wearing blue for \"Blue Monday,\" a day seeking to raise awareness for men's health education and engagement.

\"I ask all Milwaukeeans to wear blue as a simple step to show support for men's health issues in our community,\" said Mayor Tom Barrett. \"But, more importantly, I urge everyone to plan and participate in a healthy activity on Monday. Use the day as a reminder to schedule a visit to your doctor or to take part in a healthy activity.\"

Mayor Tom Barrett has proclaimed June to be Men's Health Month in the city of Milwaukee. Throughout the month, various activities and events are taking place to encourage men to connect with a health care provider for preventive care while also improving healthy behaviors in their lives.

\"We know that the top causes of death for men in Milwaukee are preventable and that men tend to access health care services less than women,\" said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. \"During this month we remind all men that under the Affordable Care Act you receive an annual medical visit free of charge from your provider, regardless of what insurance you carry. We also encourage men citywide to take advantage of the resources available to support their overall health and wellbeing.\"

For more information on the City of Milwaukee Health Department's Men's Health Program as well as Men's Health Month activities, including a free men's health summit being held on June 20, visit www.milwaukee.gov/health