July Brings Awareness To Black Men’s Health In NJ

NEWARK, N.J. — July is Black Men’s Health Month, a national observance drawing attention to the disproportionate health challenges faced by Black men, and in New Jersey, local barbershops, churches and clinics are stepping up to help close the gap.

From higher rates of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, to lower life expectancy, Black men continue to face some of the starkest health disparities in the United States. In New Jersey, where nearly 700,000 Black residents make up about 15% of the state population, advocates say targeted outreach is more urgent than ever.

“Black men, in particular, can be more vulnerable because they may feel that they need to live up to a specific ideal of strength or masculinity that minimizes their ability to talk about their feelings,” said Thurmond Gillis Jr., program manager at CarePlus NJ.

“The Black community, in general, has historically experienced mental, psychological, and emotional health challenges due to systemic racism, poverty, oppression, trauma, and other issues,” he added.

Healing Circles and Emotional Wellness

In Trenton, a series of emotional and mental wellness events are offering Black men space to heal.

On Saturday, July 12, the Black Love Healing Circle will take place at 926 Parkway Avenue in Ewing Township. Hosted by HealYourLovePeriod, the event features breathwork, sound healing, and group connection.

On Saturday, July 26, Mental Freedom: Freedom from Pain will provide trauma-informed mind-body healing for men dealing with stress, grief, and life transitions.

Additionally, Awareness Inspires: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month will be held in Trenton on Sunday, July 6 at 3 p.m., bringing together licensed professionals and advocates to advance culturally competent mental health care in minority communities.

Policy and Prevention

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, Black men in the state are nearly twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men and are more likely to be hospitalized for chronic conditions that could have been managed earlier with preventive care. Access barriers—economic inequality, medical mistrust, and racism—fuel these outcomes.

In response, clinics like Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City are expanding services during July, offering Saturday hours, male-only support groups, and walk-in appointments for uninsured patients, all with a focus on culturally responsive care.

Statewide Support and Community Resources
Mental health groups across New Jersey are also working year-round to serve the Black community:

• NAMI NJ’s AACT-NOW (African American Community Together NOW) initiative offers support groups, educational workshops, and peer advocacy tailored for Black residents.
• NAMI Mercer provides family and peer-led support groups and local mental health events throughout Mercer County.
• The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) delivers statewide resources, including helplines, referrals, and peer-led recovery support.
• The New Jersey Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) supports over 150 behavioral health organizations, working to expand access to treatment and prevention services.

Looking Ahead

As Black Men’s Health Month continues, health professionals and community leaders are calling for deeper investment in grassroots programs that build trust, improve access, and deliver preventive care beyond July.

“You have to show up for Black men where they are, listen without judgment, and honor their stories,” said Thurmond Gillis Jr. of CarePlus NJ. “That’s when real healing can begin.”