Aaron Bell Sr. Black Men’s Health Awareness Day returns to PCC's Cascade Campus
- Portland Observer
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Portland Community College is delivering a big assist to men’s health
NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College is delivering a big assist to men’s health.
The Cascade Campus gym (705 N. Killingsworth St.) will host the annual Aaron Bell Sr. Black Men’s Health Awareness Day from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17. The event honors the legacy of Aaron Bell Sr., a PCC men’s basketball assistant coach who passed away in 2019 due to a heart-related illness. It promotes health and wellness for men, especially Black men, who have higher death rates from preventable and chronic illnesses than other racial groups.
“This event is about honoring Aaron and saving lives,” said PCC Athletics Manager Tyrone White, a longtime friend of Bell. “Black men experience higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension, and we want people to know there are resources available and professionals who want to help.”
In his memory, PCC Athletics and community partners continue to host the annual awareness day to encourage preventive care, education and open conversations about health, particularly for Black men, who face disproportionate health risks nationwide.
According to event sponsor Multnomah County Health, Portland’s county health rankings show that Black men have an eight-year shorter life expectancy than white men and up to a 15-year discrepancy from that of Hispanic or Asian men.
Bell was friends with both PCC Director of Athletics Tony Broadous and White prior to joining PCC's men's basketball team in the 2012–13 season. He became known not only for his work on the court but also for his mentorship, encouragement and compassion for students and athletes.
“Aaron Bell was a gentle giant,” White said. “He was 6-foot-5 and incredible on and off the court. He always fought for the underdog and encouraged people to believe in themselves.”
PCC's awareness day is being presented in partnership with OHSU, Multnomah County REACH and the Multnomah County Health Department. Together with the Urban League of Portland and community providers North By Northeast Health Clinic, Supporting Our Society (SOS) and Men in Recovery, a wide range of free health screenings, education and resources will be offered including:
Ask a doctor — no health question is off-limits
Blood pressure and blood sugar screenings
Prostate cancer education
Health clinic referrals and resources
Gun locks, Narcan and addiction support information
Tobacco quit kits
Sign-ups for Narcan and mental health first aid training
Active People Healthy Multnomah walking programs
Healthy African heritage recipes
Body and mind wellness tips
While the event centers on Black men’s health, all are welcome and encouraged to attend as it is free and open to all.
“We want people to feel comfortable asking questions and taking steps toward better health,” White said. “This is about access, education and community.”
The health awareness event will coincide with a Portland Panthers basketball doubleheader at the Cascade Campus gym. The men’s basketball team will tip off at 2 p.m., followed by the women’s game at 4 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to support PCC athletics while prioritizing wellness.
For more information about PCC Athletics, visit panthers.pcc.edu