Johns Creek men can get a free prostate cancer screening on Thursday, Aug. 27, in Alpharetta, thanks to a Fulton County commissioner who knows the stakes firsthand.
Commissioner Bob Ellis disclosed on Aug. 3 that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025. He caught it early. Now he's hosting a Men's Health Tailgate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fulton County's Health & Human Services – North facility, 4700 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta.
"Last year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because I caught it early, I was able to work with my doctors to develop a winning game plan that worked for me," Ellis said in an Aug. 3 county announcement.
The event is open to all North Fulton men, including Johns Creek residents. No registration is required, though organizers encourage an RSVP at MensHealthTailgate.eventbrite.com.
Emory's Winship Cancer Institute will provide free blood-test prostate cancer screenings on site. The institute operates a mobile screening bus that travels the state; at a separate North Fulton screening event earlier this year, about 20% of men tested were flagged for further evaluation, according to Appen Media.
Beyond prostate screenings, the tailgate will include:
- A "Men's Health Playbook" and additional free screenings from the Fulton County Board of Health
- A "Time Out for Mental Health" session from the county's Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
- "Nutrition for Champions" guidance from a registered dietitian through the Department of Senior Services
Atlanta Falcons mascot Freddie Falcon will greet attendees from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The venue itself is new. The $25 million Health & Human Services – North facility opened April 16 after a renovation of a former Comcast call center on a 24-acre site. It consolidates Board of Health, Behavioral Health, Senior Services and other county programs under one roof for North Fulton residents.
Ellis, who represents District 2 and has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2015, said the event aims to lower barriers for men who avoid preventive care. In Georgia, an estimated 6,000 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2026, with more than 700 deaths, according to the county announcement.
The Men's Health Tailgate is Thursday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 4700 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. Free, no registration required. RSVP encouraged at MensHealthTailgate.eventbrite.com.
