Men's Health: Exploring the Empathy Gap

Title| Men's Health : Exploring the Empathy Gap

Presented by | Jeff Conners

Brought to you by | People & Culture - Health and Well-Being

Description | Although men in many ways have a privilege compared to our female counterparts, it does not equate into better health outcomes. On average men: die 4.5 years earlier, account for 1/3 of depression diagnosis & 75% of suicides, account for the bulk of victims of violence, are aprox 80% of all alcohol, opioid deaths, 90% of workplace deaths and in the time frame the MMIWG was looking at, fully 71% of indigenous persons missing or murdered were men. Yet there is scant attention to men’s health as an issue.

For these reasons, there is urgency to build capacity in addressing men’s health. As the health of men (sons, brothers, fathers, partners, uncles, grandfathers) is directly related to the health of families & communities.

The presentation will take a look at the types of services that men are currently offered & make a case that to overcome the empathy gap we need to see men as more than needing services to address violence. And to do that, we need all genders to step up to share their own experiences and champion a path forward where men can be more than breadwinners & warriors. Where they can be human with all the emotions and experiences that accompany it.

Meet Your Presenter | Jeff Conners is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, (reg#4463) & a member of the BC Association of Social Workers (reg#1004508). As well, he is an Associate Member with the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids, & Interior BC’s only Psychedelic Support Network member. He also competed a clinical Masters of Social Work at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. His studies focused on Mental Health, Addiction & Men’s Health.

Outside of professional practice, he is a practicing father of two maturing offspring, enjoys independent Canadian music, arts & culture, has culinary passions, participates in social justice activities & enjoys the wonders of nature from under a tent.

Please note: This Lunch and Learn will be held via TEAMS. You will receive a calendar invite with the invite link. If you do not receive an email, please email your Campus Wellness Advisor: Joy Demsey at jdemsey@tru.ca . Please note that TRU OLFM's are unable to invoice their time when attending this presentation.