Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson

👉 Want to continue the conversation in person? Join us at the My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

In this episode of My City Talks, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Gregory Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities around Black men’s health in Iowa.

They dive into why Black men are less likely to seek preventive care, the importance of screenings for prostate and colon cancer, and the role of social determinants of health in shaping outcomes. Dr. Johnson also shares insights on the financial cost of health inequities, how telemedicine can bridge access gaps, and why patients should see their doctors as partners in health.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of prevention, access, and how health systems can better meet communities where they are.

Show Notes – Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

01:00 – Dr. Gregory Johnson’s journey into medicine and leadership

04:40 – From bedside medicine to population health

07:30 – What healthcare access really means: speed to treatment & patient experience

10:00 – Why Black men avoid going to the doctor and the cost of waiting

13:30 – Prevention matters: prostate, colon, and heart disease screenings

16:40 – The financial toll of health inequities in Iowa ($8.6B annually)