In September 2024, Men We Think 4 A Change hosted the inaugural Mens 4 Mens 4 Health Workshop: Straight Talk About HIV, bringing men together to tackle important health issues, particularly HIV. We spoke with Jeff Mezo, a key participant and an advocate for men’s health, to discuss his experience, the impact of the event, and why open dialogue is so essential for men’s wellness.
Q: Jeff, can you tell us how you got involved with the Mens 4 Mens 4 Health initiative?
Jeff: Absolutely. I serve on the HIV advisory council for We Think 4 A Change, and I helped create this workshop from a men’s perspective. We already had successful programs for women, and I felt it was time to unite men across Ohio to talk about men’s health issues, particularly HIV, which is often not openly discussed among men.
Q: Why do you think it’s so difficult for men to talk about their health?
Jeff: Men tend to be very protective when it comes to their health. Unless they have a strong partner who pushes them to take care of themselves, they don’t talk about it. Many of us were raised to be strong and not show vulnerability, so opening up about something as personal as health—especially HIV—can be hard. That’s why creating a safe, supportive environment is so important.
Q: What were your expectations going into the workshop?
Jeff: I wasn’t sure how many men would actually attend. We hoped for at least four, but we ended up with nine or ten men, which was a pleasant surprise. We knew we had to start somewhere, and it turned out to be a great beginning.
Q: How would you describe your overall experience at the workshop?
Jeff: The experience was incredible. We were in a safe and open space, which allowed us to have real discussions about men’s health. The environment felt protective, which made it easier for everyone to share without judgment or interruption. It was a great setting for men to talk openly about their health.
Q: What part of the workshop resonated with you the most?
Jeff:Â Definitely the sharing. Hearing other men talk about their personal health issues, beyond just HIV, was powerful. We discussed everything from HIV status to prostate cancer. For me, knowing that other men were willing to open up about their struggles made the experience more impactful.
Q: Did the event meet your expectations overall?
Jeff: It exceeded my expectations. What stood out was the willingness of men who didn’t know each other to open up and share. Even though some of us were familiar with one another, it was amazing to see men we didn’t know step up and share their stories.
Q: Did the workshop change your understanding of men’s health, particularly around HIV?
Jeff: It didn’t necessarily change my understanding, but it did enhance it. The event showed that we can gather men together and have these important exchanges. It’s about more than just HIV—it’s about aging, prostate health, and other challenges men face. We talked about all of it, and that kind of openness is rare.
Q: Were there any new insights gained about HIV treatment or prevention?
Jeff: I wouldn’t say there was new information, but the exchange of knowledge was important. We shared personal experiences about how we handle our HIV status and our interactions with healthcare providers. That kind of shared wisdom is valuable because it helps us all take a more proactive approach to our health.
Q: Were there any misconceptions or myths about HIV that were addressed?
Jeff: No, not really. The men who attended were well-informed and proactive about their healthcare. There weren’t any major misconceptions among the group, but it was still important for us to reaffirm our knowledge and share our experiences.
Q: How did the discussions about physical and mental health affect you personally?
Jeff: We had some very honest discussions about mental health and addiction. I shared my own journey, which included mental health struggles starting in my late 40s, along with issues of addiction. It was important to share these experiences because I believe when one person opens up, it encourages others to do the same. It’s part of the healing process.
Q: Do you think the workshop created a supportive environment for open discussion?
Jeff: Absolutely. We all have protective walls up, but once you’re in a safe environment, it becomes easier to let them down. It was incredible to see how open and respectful everyone was. No one interrupted, and everyone was given time to speak. That kind of space is necessary for these conversations to happen.
Q: What would you like to see in future workshops like this?
Jeff: I’d love to see more men attending future events, and I think we could benefit from having more healthcare providers at these sessions—people who specialize in mental health, prostate cancer, and nutrition. These are crucial areas that need more attention in men’s health discussions.
Q: If you could change one thing about the workshop, what would it be?
Jeff: I would like the event to last longer—maybe a full weekend instead of just one day. The one-day format was great, but more time would allow us to dive deeper into the issues and build stronger relationships. It would also give us time for breakout sessions to focus on specific topics.
Q: Any final thoughts on your experience?
Jeff: I’m really grateful we had this opportunity. It’s important to keep building on what we started. We’re planning to hold monthly calls to keep the conversation going, and we’re looking to develop more webinars as well. It’s all about keeping the momentum and ensuring men have a place to talk about their health openly.
Jeff’s insights underscore the importance of creating safe spaces where men can discuss their health, share their experiences, and support each other. The Mens 4 Mens 4 Health Workshop is just the beginning of a larger movement to break the silence around men’s health, and Jeff is excited to see where this journey leads.