The Heart of the Matter: Dwayne Parker’s Mission to Transform Men’s Health
The Heart of the Matter: Dwayne Parker’s Mission to Transform Men’s Health
In a world where men’s health is often an afterthought in public conversation,
Dwayne Parker is changing the narrative. A retired healthcare administrator, heart transplant survivor, and founder of Men’s Health First, LLC, Dwayne’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of community support.
From Administrator to Advocate
For over 25 years, Dwayne worked behind the scenes in the healthcare system, serving in behavioral health, marketing, human resources, and administration. This wide-ranging career gave him a unique lens into the inner workings of wellness, particularly the gaps and unspoken struggles men face regarding their health.
However, his passion for men’s health wasn’t born solely from his career—it was personal. Despite having insurance, Dwayne spent years helping his father navigate a complex healthcare system. That journey, filled with frustrating gaps and missed opportunities for preventative care, became a pivotal point in Dwayne’s mission.
But nothing could have prepared him for his own health battle.
A Heart Transformed
In 2017, Dwayne was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy—heart failure. Over the next several years, his journey would involve a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and finally, in 2024, a life-saving heart transplant.
“The process was long, intense, and spiritual,” Dwayne shared. “It tested everything—my patience, my commitment, my faith.”
But through it all, one thing remained steady: the unwavering support of his wife, Maureen. From the first ER visit to the transplant recovery, she was by his side—his caregiver, his advocate, his rock.
“Caregivers matter,” Dwayne emphasized. “Maureen wasn’t just my wife—she was my lifeline. Women play a powerful role in ensuring their loved ones, especially the men in their lives, stay on top of their health.”
Men’s Health: A Silent Crisis
Dwayne’s lived experience inspired him to launch Men’s Health First, LLC in 2024, a consulting and education company focused on elevating awareness, building community programs, and reshaping how men approach their well-being.
“Men live 6 to 7 years less than women. That’s a silent health crisis we can’t ignore anymore,” he said. “Men skip checkups, avoid conversations about stress or depression, and don’t know their health numbers. That needs to change.”
He points to startling statistics: 90% of women have a primary care provider compared to only 60% of men. And while most men will religiously change their car’s oil every 3,000 miles, they often delay getting a routine physical until something’s seriously wrong.
His message? Know your numbers. Blood pressure. Cholesterol. BMI. Catch issues early. Preventative care isn’t a burden—it’s a lifeline.
Making Health Conversations Guy-Friendly
Dwayne knows that getting men to talk about health isn’t always easy. That’s why Men’s Health First takes a fresh approach—creating guy-friendly events that blend comfort, community, and important conversation.
Think “Pancakes & Prostates”—where men gather for a hearty breakfast and leave with something even more valuable: awareness. Or “Grilling for the Heart of It,” where ribs and heart health share the spotlight. From fishing and football to motorcycles and mental health—Dwayne knows how to meet men where they are.
“We’re not trying to lecture—we’re trying to connect,” he said. “When you make health part of a man’s lifestyle, not a chore, the whole dynamic changes.”
Filling the Gap: Men's Health First
At its core, Men’s Health First is a movement—offering training, certification, and consulting for communities, businesses, and healthcare providers looking to bring men’s health to the forefront.
Its mission is clear:
To advocate for men’s health by providing innovative education, training, and programs that empower individuals, organizations, and communities to improve male health outcomes.
This summer, Men’s Health First is launching a Men’s Health Symposium and Call to Action Campaign—a bold initiative to encourage collaboration across industries and organizations to build more inclusive, accessible programs that uplift men’s well-being.
“Men's clinics and initiatives are missing in too many places,” Dwayne says. “It’s time we change that, not just with talk, but with real, community-centered solutions.”
Retirement with Purpose
Though technically retired, Dwayne’s work is far from over. He sees this next chapter as his true calling.
“I found my purpose after my transplant,” he shared. “I was given a second chance—not just at life, but at impact.”
He encourages fellow retirees to do the same—whether through community service, mentoring, or advocacy.
“Retirement isn’t the end. It’s a new beginning,” he says. “Your community, your church, your family—they still need you. But first, you need to take care of yourself.”
A Legacy of Hope
Dwayne’s story is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. With Maureen by his side and a heart full of purpose, he’s dedicating his life to helping others live longer, fuller lives.
In a time when men’s health is too often overlooked, Dwayne Parker is raising the flag, leading with heart, and proving that healing is possible—with faith, with love, and with community.
To learn more or get involved, visit:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: (810) 624-3432
Because the heart of every community starts with healthy, thriving men.
Kudos Vol 13 Iss 5 ©