Tune into WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM or the WOL Livestream on Thursday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. EST for Everything Co-op, hosted by Vernon Oakes.
This week, Vernon explores the connection between cooperatives and men’s health, highlighting how cooperative principles can help address the social isolation, economic challenges and lack of support systems that often impact men’s physical and mental well-being.
June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health challenges facing men and encouraging them to take proactive steps toward better physical and mental health. As conversations around Men’s Mental Health Month continue to grow, Vernon will close out the month with a discussion about how cooperatives create opportunities for connection, shared responsibility, mutual support and community engagement—factors that can play an important role in improving men’s overall health and quality of life.
This year’s Men’s Health Month theme, “Partners in Care: Advancing Men’s Health Through Connection, Education, and Advocacy Across the Lifespan—for Better Lifespans,” emphasizes that men’s health is not an individual responsibility alone. The theme highlights the important role that families, friends, workplaces, healthcare providers and communities play in supporting men’s physical, emotional and mental well-being throughout every stage of life.
Vernon Oakes is a dedicated advocate for cooperatives who was inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2024. He is the past president of the National Association of Housing Cooperatives and has served on numerous boards and committees advancing cooperative interests. His contributions also extend to the Limited Equity Cooperative Task Force, initiated by Anita Bonds, an At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia. As an MBA graduate of Stanford University, Vernon has applied his business expertise to serve the community, championing the benefits of the cooperative business model.