USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness

Did you know that many cancers can be prevented or caught early when treatment works best? For Men’s Health Month, let’s focus on the power of prevention. While you can’t control everything, you can lower your risk with these key steps from the CDC:

✅ Get Screened: Screenings for colorectal and lung cancer can save lives. Talk to your doctor about when you should start.
✅ Protect Your Skin: Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet light. Wear sunscreen and stay in the shade!
✅ Make Healthy Choices: Simple shifts like quitting to***co, staying active, and limiting alcohol can significantly lower your risk of various cancers.

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Being proactive is the best way to stay in the game for your family and your future.

🔗 See the full checklist for men’s cancer prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/features/cancer-and-men.htm

Texas A&M Forest Service announces wildfire mitigation grant opportunities and landowner outreach events - Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Forest Service will open applications for the Mechanical Fuel Reduction Grant and Prescribed Fire Grant from June 1 through July 14, 2026. These reimbursement programs are designed to reduce wildfire risk to communities and natural resources across eligible areas of Texas. The Mechanical F...

Mental health is health.

Did you know that depression and anxiety can look different in men? Some common symptoms include:

🚩 Increased irritability or anger
🚩 Digestive issues or chronic pain with no clear cause
🚩 Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
🚩 Withdrawing from friends, family, or hobbies

If you are struggling, remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward taking control of your life.

🔗 Learn the signs and find resources at NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health

Whether you’re in an office, on a construction site, or in a warehouse, how you move matters. Ergonomics is all about "fitting the job to the person" to prevent muscle strains and nerve injuries.

For Men’s Health Month, let’s focus on preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)—injuries caused by lifting heavy objects, reaching overhead, or repetitive motions.

🔗 Check out OSHA’s guidelines for a safer workspace: https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics

📢 BIG NEWS!
We’re excited to share an important update about the John P. Norris Memorial Symposium.

Beginning with our next event, we’re shifting our focus from general first responder health and wellness to the holistic health and wellness—physical, mental, and spiritual—of disaster responders. This means our content will be even more tailored to those who deploy into large-scale crises and long-term recovery work: disaster response teams, specialized units, chaplains, clinicians, and partners who stand alongside communities when everything has changed.

Mark your calendars: the newly focused Disaster Responder Health & Wellness Symposium will be held:

📅 March 22–24, 2027
📍 Pflugerville, TX

We’ll be sharing more details on speakers, sessions, and registration soon, but we wanted our disaster response community to hear this first: this gathering is being built for you, with your unique challenges and needs at the center.

If you serve in disaster response we’d love for you to join us in 2027.

www.firstrespondersymposium.com

Last week, our USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness had the opportunity to attend the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Conference. It was an inspiring week filled with meaningful conversations, innovative ideas, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships that support communities across our state.

Our team connected with longtime colleagues, met emerging leaders in emergency management, and learned about new strategies and technologies shaping the future of preparedness and response. We’re excited to bring these insights back to our work and continue supporting rural communities with resilience and readiness at the forefront.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared their expertise, or collaborated with us throughout the conference. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger Texas.

Gentlemen, this month is for you. Did you know that on average, men live about five years less than women? A big reason for that is men are often less likely to seek help or schedule regular check-ups.

This June, we’re changing the narrative. Men’s Health Month is all about:
✅ Awareness: Understanding the health risks men face.
✅ Prevention: Catching small issues before they become big ones.
✅ Action: Getting those screenings and doctor's visits on the calendar.

🔗 Read more about why this month matters and how to get involved:
bit.ly/4x5LtGC