Aaron Bell Sr. Black Men’s Health Awareness Day returns to PCC’s Cascade Campus
Photos and story by Misty Bouse
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.”
Aaron Bell
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
Athletic Director Tony Broadous (right) won the 2012-13 NWAC men’s basketball title with Aaron Bell as his assistant.
- 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
About Misty Bouse
A Portland Community College public relations specialist, Misty Bouse has been working in college advancement for a decade. A graduate of University of Oregon, Misty has worked as a managing editor for BUILDERNews Magazine and as a contribu... more »