Alpharetta, Georgia – A routine blood test may not feel like a game-changing moment. For men who rarely visit a doctor, however, a few minutes at a community health event could lead to an early diagnosis—and potentially save a life.
That is the idea behind Fulton County’s Men’s Health Tailgate, where health screenings will replace tackles and prevention will take center field. District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis will host the free event on Thursday, August 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fulton County’s Health & Human Services – North facility, located at 4700 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta.
Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute will provide free blood-test screenings for prostate cancer. Participants will also have an opportunity to meet Atlanta Falcons mascot Freddie Falcon, who is scheduled to appear from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For Ellis, the event carries personal significance.
“Last year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Commissioner Ellis.
“Because I caught it early, I was able to work with my doctors to develop a winning game plan that worked for me.”
Prostate cancer remains a serious concern for men across the country. Every 90 seconds, a man in the United States learns that he has the disease. Georgia is expected to record approximately 6,000 new cases this year, along with more than 700 deaths. Screening and early detection can improve survival prospects and help patients maintain a better quality of life.
“Lots of guys won’t see a doctor unless we absolutely must,” Ellis added. “Thanks to our partnership with the Winship Cancer Institute, our Men’s Health Tailgate event will make it free, easy and convenient for men to get a prostate cancer screening. A few minutes can save a life.”
The tailgate will extend beyond prostate screenings. The Fulton County Board of Health will distribute a Men’s Health Playbook and offer additional free screenings. The county’s Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities will provide a “Time Out for Mental Health,” while Senior Services will present “Nutrition for Champions” with a registered dietitian.
The broader goal is to address persistent gaps in preventive care. Men are about half as likely as women to seek screenings and other preventive services, and their average life expectancy is six years shorter.
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Men may also attend without an appointment to access the free screenings and health resources.
