Partner Partner Content Real Talk About Men’s Health: Hamilton and Kappa Alpha Psi tackle Flint’s screening gap

FLINT, Michigan — Hamilton Community Health Network hosted Real Talk About Men’s Health and Cancer Risk on Saturday, Aug. 1, at its main clinic. The event focused on prostate cancer education and screening, held in partnership with the Flint Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., as part of the clinic’s programming around National Health Center Week, which runs August 2-8. The event took place at Hamilton’s main clinic.

The event focused on prostate cancer treatment and detection to empower families to stay ahead of their health with regular care. Attendees had the chance to learn about risks, speak directly with providers, and get tips on improving health over a free breakfast. A PSA screening — a simple blood test that can flag prostate cancer and other issues — was offered to men at the event.

Hamilton hopes this initiative will spark conversations that shift fear and uncertainty around routine health care. Dr. Jazzmyne Montgomery, Ben Busuito, PA-C, and Albert Ujkaj, LMSW, were the panelists who hosted discussions around common hesitations surrounding healthcare for men, covering topics like prostate health, urinary issues, and when to see a urologist.

“A lot of men weren’t brought up going to the doctor on a regular basis. Some of us only go if there is something wrong, but the earlier you can catch something that might be going on, the sooner we can deal with it,” recalls Clarence Pierce, CEO of Hamilton Community Health Network.

That philosophy is personal for Pierce. After losing his father-in-law prematurely to colon cancer at just 55 years old, he began emphasizing the importance of yearly screenings and physicals to prevent disease — a lesson he says applies just as much to prostate health as it does to any other preventable condition.

RELATED: For Flint Patients, Hamilton Community Health Network Offers Care Beyond the Appointment

“No one should die of colon cancer if they are getting their annual exams,” he said. “Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer with early detection and treatment.”

The event grew out of those kinds of personal stories, and was designed to reach men of all ages. Pierce felt it was important for the clinic to partner with an organization that shares the same passion for proactive healthcare and wellness.

Brother James Franklin, an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi and recipient of the Brother of the Year Award, shared his own healthcare journey with Pierce to help create an experience for attendees that was relatable and encouraging. Hamilton and Kappa Alpha Psi hope the event becomes an annual community resource fair.

“As men, we’re taught to tough it out…but if you’re listening to your body, it tells you if you have something going on. We have to have more self-interest in our bodies — even if that means getting bad news,” Pierce said. “If it turns out your PSA is high, and you need to get in for an MRI or X-ray, even if you need a specialist, we’re prepared to provide referrals and support. We have a partnership with the University of Michigan, and we’re able to get our patients in quickly for whatever they need.”

Hamilton is prepared to support participants who do come back with concerns or results they were not hoping for. Primary care physicians at Hamilton Health Network provide in-house services in coordination with specialists and additional providers.

RELATED: Holistic Health with Dr. Shan Jackson: Its Growing Impact in Flint and Beyond

Behavioral health services provided by psychiatric nurse practitioners and licensed clinical social workers are also available for those seeking mental health support. The clinic’s holistic approach helps patients with all health-related needs in a one-stop-shop kind of way.

The Urology Clinic at Hamilton Health Network is led by Michigan Medicine physicians, and patients can receive urology services on specific dates right at Hamilton’s Flint location.

In addition, the clinic offers routine care and outreach, including radiology, substance abuse help, primary care, and pharmacy services.

“Hamilton started out in this community in 1982. Now, we are at a point where we can really help provide the services that are needed. We have a comprehensive program in all disciplines of family care,” Pierce said.

Nationally, many people who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are facing steep premium increases in 2026, after enhanced federal subsidies expired at the start of the year — a shift health policy researchers at KFF say could leave millions of enrollees paying significantly more, or losing coverage altogether.

Patients can receive care at Hamilton, even if they do not have insurance coverage. The organization acknowledges those changes in the insurance marketplace and remains prepared to provide services regardless. Insurance help is an outreach service provided by the clinic.

Prescription assistance is also provided to individuals needing financial help with prescriptions. Sliding fees start at just $10 for patients who do not have medical insurance, and care is provided regardless of ability to pay.

While this was the first year that Hamilton Community Health Network and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted Real Talk About Men’s Health and Cancer Risk, organizers hope it becomes a yearly event for Flint residents to look forward to.

Men of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to bring their entire families next time, to help normalize preventative care as routine.