From July 17 to July 20, the “My Health Can’t Wait” initiative staged an extensive health fair and wellness expo at the Indiana Convention Center, part of the broader Indiana Health Fair held at the State Fairgrounds. Aimed squarely at promoting men’s preventive care, the four-day event provided a welcoming environment for attendees to access a wide range of free health services.
Organized and sponsored by Johnson & Johnson’s “My Health Can’t Wait” campaign in collaboration with local health partners, the fair offered free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate cancer, diabetes, dental and vision health—collectively totaling over US $4,000 in services per visitor. The event also featured health counseling, educational exhibits, and evening 5K community walks, designed to encourage physical fitness and motivate healthier lifestyles.
Many men delay routine checkups, often citing time constraints, cost concerns, or discomfort discussing health issues—particularly around stigmatized topics like prostate screenings. “A lot of men don’t receive regular health checks… we wait until we have to go,” observed a long-running local fair’s organizer, recalling similar events in Indianapolis.
By offering free services in a non-clinical, walk-in format, the health fair sought to lower these barriers. Interactive booths allowed participants to ask questions, learn preventive strategies, and—when necessary—schedule follow-up care. Volunteers and healthcare professionals emphasized a holistic approach, targeting not only physical measures but also mental and social well-being.
According to organizers, chronic diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers disproportionately affect men, often due to late detection and lack of proactive screening. The fair’s suite of on-site tests and counseling aimed to catch early warning signs and promote healthier choices before more serious complications develop. Kenneth Jones, a volunteer nurse at the event, noted, “When men see readings like elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, it often prompts immediate lifestyle adjustments or doctor visits. That early feedback can be a wakeup call.”
In addition to tests, the event featured informational sessions on diet, exercise, stress reduction, and disease prevention. Booths were staffed by experts offering tailored advice on weight management, smoking cessation, and mental health support. Evening 5K walks drew strong community participation, helping integrate physical activity into daily life and reinforcing that preventive care is a lifestyle, not just an occasional task.
Local public health officials also participated, connecting attendees with resources beyond the fair—such as smoking-cessation programs, nutrition workshops, and mental wellness services. One counselor emphasized that men who engage early in health promotion often realize benefits for their families, as healthy individuals are better equipped to support loved ones.
The Indianapolis event is part of a nationwide tour by My Health Can’t Wait, with similar fairs scheduled in Cincinnati, Detroit, Columbus, and Norman, among others. These fairs align with nationwide observance of Men’s Health Month in June and Men’s Health Week, which aim to break stigmas and encourage men to take proactive steps toward well-being.
The fair drew several hundred attendees on its first day alone. Visitors expressed appreciation for the friendly atmosphere and convenience of combining screenings with immediate counseling. One participant, 52-year-old Marcus Reed, said, “I came for a cholesterol check, but got a full health overview. It was easy and informative—something I probably wouldn’t do otherwise.”
Event organizers report that around 45% of walk-up attendees received referrals to primary care or specialists based on their screening results. Follow-up surveys are planned to assess whether lifestyle guidance has led to lasting changes or medical interventions.
Chronic illnesses remain the leading causes of death among men in the U.S., accounting for nearly two-thirds of all male fatalities. Regular screenings and early detection are vital to reducing mortality rates for conditions like heart disease, stroke, prostate and colorectal cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
Community-based events like this fair serve a critical role in bridging the gap between healthcare services and men reluctant to seek care. They offer accessible, destigmatized settings for screenings, personal counseling, and referrals—all without appointment or cost.
As “My Health Can’t Wait” continues its summer tour, its Indianapolis model offers insights for expanding preventive efforts. Organizers emphasize sustainability by linking fairs with local health providers who can support long-term care, ensuring short-term fixes lead to lasting benefits. Additionally, by featuring evening fitness events and mental-health conversations, fair planners promote a comprehensive approach to men’s health—encouraging participants to view wellness as an ongoing journey.
The positive response in Indianapolis suggests a growing appetite for community health initiatives tailored to men’s needs, especially those that dismantle stigma and make preventive care approachable. As the tour moves to other cities, public health experts will be monitoring attendance figures, follow-up engagement, and—most importantly—whether early intervention leads to measurable improvements in men’s health across the Midwest and beyond.
