By Lynn Jones-Turpin -The University of Florida CaRE2 Health Equity Protalks prostate cancer awareness launch and kickoff was held downtown inside the DreamWeek coop working facility, located downtown on Ashley Street. The Protalks, (Prostate, Outreach, Opportunities and Options) community outreach project is headed by CaRE2 Citizen Scientist alumna throughout state of Florida. ProTalks seeks to address prostate cancer research and health disparities in the Black community of Duval County. The grant is a 10-month project to engage, learn and take steps to improve prostate health outcomes for males age 18 – 100. The kick-off was seen via facebook live and reached more than seventy viewers listening to men that have been tested and/or diagnosed with prostate cancer. The first guest was William Jackson, a 33 year Duval County Public Schools retire who recently underwent successful prostate cancer surgery. Jackson was very open about his diagnosis, the surgery and the next steps to begin a healthy recovery journey. “When I found out, I did not discuss this with anyone, I knew I had to reevaluate my health and didn’t know how to talk about the cancer with anyone, not even my fiancé,” said Jackson. Accompanying Jackson was his wife who was very vocal with her support and understanding that men are very secretive when it’s comes to discussing men’s health. The University of Florida CaRE2 Health Equity Center partnership seeks to advance science that improves cancer health equity among Blacks and Latinos in Florida and California. The Center trains underrepresented minority students, scientists and volunteers to engage communities to provide insights for best serving the needs of diverse populations and helping to reduce the burden of cancer. Next on the Protalks agenda are Barbershop Talks, Women Talk Protalks, Old Timer’s Cook Off and One-on-One Basketball. To register and for more info visit www.lynnandfriends.com/protalks.
