We heard about the Gift of Life through our church, and my wife encouraged me to get screened. I told her I didn’t need it because I felt fine. But I did have prostate cancer. I thank God for this program. They saved my life. – Gift of Life client

Improving public health is one of my chief concerns as Jefferson County Commissioner. Though this is a monumental task, we can accomplish it through key community partnerships that share the same vision of health and happiness for all.

I am proudly serving as Honorary Chair of the Gift of Life’s Men’s Health Screenings during June, National Men’s Health Month. Studies show that American men live sicker and die younger than American women. We make half as many preventive physician visits as women, and we are much less likely to have health coverage.

The Gift of Life is uniquely positioned to address the serious state of men’s health in our community by helping medically underserved men to live longer, healthier lives.

Eligible Southeast Texas men are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a free Gift of Life health screening in Orange on June 4 at Lamar State College; Beaumont on June 11 at Lamar Institute of Technology; and Port Arthur on June 25 at the Carl Parker Center. These events include a free PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, as well as screenings for cholesterol, HIV, Hepatitis C, blood sugar and blood pressure. Physicians will be on-site to provide consultations, discuss the significance of results and provide information about healthy lifestyle practices.

Men who might not be able to see a doctor are afforded peace of mind and lifesaving knowledge at these important events.

In addition to these free screenings, the Gift of Life provides education through outreach encounters across the region. By diligently working in our community, this organization ensures that men understand how their choices affect their health and are attuned to the early signs and symptoms of cancer. Education and early intervention can and do save lives!

Finally, the Gift of Life offers the gift of love. Each and every client who comes into contact with this excellent organization leaves knowing that his life matters. No one is treated like a number. No one is shuffled through or hurried away. The Gift of Life extends care and compassion to the underserved in our community. This is a gift that cannot be quantified, but makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our citizens.

I encourage all men in Southeast Texas to benefit from the life, learning and love available through this wonderful organization. With the Gift of Life, help is never beyond reach.

For more information, visit giftoflifebmt.org or call the Gift of Life at 409.833.3663 or its 24-hour hotline at 409.860.3369.

Together, we can make a difference!

Bo Alfred, Jefferson County Commissioner