The Faith Network Podcast

Episode 017: State of Men's Health-Part 2

Episode Summary

Men's Health in Arkansas: The Conversation Continues Dr. Austin Porter, Rev. Johnnie Smith, and Kelvin Parker return to continue the conversation on men's health—this time diving into life expectancy, mental health stigma, and practical resources to help Arkansas men get the care they need. This episode is brought to you by the Translational Research Institute.

Episode Notes

We're not fine. And it's time we stop pretending we are.

In this episode of The Faith Network Podcast, we continue our critical conversation on men's health in Arkansas. The Faith Network launched this series after realizing that many of our partners—men leading in ministry and community work—were experiencing health crises in silence. If it's happening to them, it's happening to the men in our churches and neighborhoods.

Our panel returns:

Dr. Austin Porter – Deputy State Epidemiologist and Chief Science Officer at the Arkansas Department of Health, and Associate Professor at UAMS College of Public Health

Rev. Johnnie Smith – Senior Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff

Kelvin Parker – Founder and Executive Director of GOAT (Giving Others Ambition Together)

This week we unpack:

• The life expectancy gap: Men in Arkansas live six years less than women on average. In Northwest Arkansas, men live to 78. In Phillips County? Just 68. Geography is shaping destiny.
• The mental health crisis hiding in plain sight: 60% of Arkansas men report zero days of poor mental health. Only 18% have been diagnosed with depression. Yet suicide rates for men are five times higher than women. We're saying we're okay—but we're not.
• The stigma that's killing us: When churches host mental health events, most attendees are women. Men find coping mechanisms, but never address the root. That has to change.
• Reaching the next generation: Kelvin Parker shares how GOAT is building health into the DNA of young people—exercise, mental wellness, and eating habits—before bad patterns take root.
• Resources you can use today: The Arkansas Minority Health Commission operates a 38-foot mobile health unit providing free screenings at churches and community events. UAMS offers a free clinic three days a week. Call 501-686-2720 to schedule.

Dr. Porter said it plainly: "A lot of times people will listen to their pastor before their physician." That's why the church has to lead here. Rev. Smith is already taking action—returning to Shiloh to appoint a health coordinator for his congregation.

What will you do?

This episode is brought to you by the Translational Research Institute.