SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation are celebrating the strongest participation in the history of the “Man UP, Check UP” Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign, with 518 men receiving free PSA prostate cancer screenings during screening events held on September 5, 12, and 19.
The 2026 results represent a 66% increase over 2025, when 312 men were screened, and a 245% increase since the campaign began in 2019, when 150 men participated.
The three screening events drew steadily increasing numbers, with 125 men screened on September 5, 168 on September 12, and a record 225 on September 19.
Organizers say the unprecedented turnout reflects growing awareness of prostate cancer prevention and the importance of early detection, while demonstrating the impact of sustained community education, outreach, and partnerships that make screening accessible.
Removing Barriers to Screening
Ensuring that lack of health insurance does not prevent men from accessing preventive care remains a central objective of the campaign. The foundations goal is to help remove barriers to screening and help men in the community to become more proactive about their prostate health.
Through a partnership between the Positive Foundation, Elektralyets Foundation, and St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS), 100 complimentary PSA screening vouchers were made available to uninsured men on a first-come, first-served basis. All 100 vouchers were redeemed.
NAPA Auto Parts subsequently sponsored an additional 35 screening vouchers, which were also fully utilized. In total, 135 uninsured men received sponsored access to PSA screening.
The Foundations expressed their appreciation to NAPA Auto Parts for helping remove a financial barrier to preventive healthcare and extending the reach of the campaign to men who might otherwise have been unable to participate.
Organizers attribute this year's record community participation in part to an extensive public awareness campaign that included media tours, radio interviews, public service announcements, television appearances, social media outreach, and community engagement throughout September.
Special recognition goes to Mike Ferrier of NAPA Auto Parts, whose memorable public service announcements brought humor and visibility to the campaign while delivering an important message about men's health. His entertaining reference to a rooster quickly became a talking point within the community and helped draw attention to the importance of getting checked.
The campaign's approach combining education, humor, accessibility, and strong community partnerships helped encourage more men to take action.
The campaign's educational outreach also continued with the successful “Let's Talk About Sex 4” Men's Health Forum, hosted in collaboration with the St. Maarten Lions Club and Collective Prevention Services (CPS).
The forum brought together community members and health and wellness professionals for open discussions on prostate cancer, sexual health, nutrition, physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, and overall wellness.
Among those attending were: Minister of VSA Claret Conner, Dr. Eva Lista-de Weever, Head of Collective Prevention Services, Davey Woods, 1st Vice District Governor of District 60B, and Lion President Elton Richardson.
The Foundations extend their appreciation to the forum's panelists:
- Dr. Diego Ramos, Urologist, St. Maarten Medical Center
- Dr. Carlos Rojas, Urologist, St. Maarten Medical Center
- Karen Eusebius, Dietician
- Solens Dornezon, Health and Fitness Coach
Dr. Ramos and Dr. Rojas provided information on prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, risk factors, treatment options, screening, and early detection. Eusebius addressed the connection between nutrition and overall health, while Dornezon highlighted the role of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices in long-term wellness.
The Foundations emphasized that the campaign's success was made possible through the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, sponsors, volunteers, media partners, and community organizations.
St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) played a critical role in delivering the three high-volume screening events, providing the professionalism and expertise needed to serve hundreds of men efficiently.
NAPA Auto Parts not only sponsored 35 additional screening vouchers for uninsured men but also actively promoted the campaign and encouraged men throughout the community to participate.
The Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation also expressed their appreciation to St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), the St. Maarten Lions Club, Collective Prevention Services, the forum panelists, volunteers, sponsors, and media partners for their continued commitment to men's health.
Although the free PSA screening events have concluded, the “Man UP, Check UP” campaign continues on September 26, 2026, with a Men's Health Open House and Men's Health Day at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) from 9am to 2pm.
Men and their families are invited to attend, learn more about preventive healthcare, connect with healthcare professionals, access health and wellness information, and discover available health services. Organizers are encouraging all men whether or not they participated in the PSA screenings to attend and continue the conversation about prevention, early detection, and healthy living.
The 2026 campaign marks a significant milestone for men's health awareness on St. Maarten. Growing from 150 participants in 2019 to 518 men screened this year, “Man UP, Check UP” demonstrates how sustained community collaboration and accessible health education can encourage men to take a more active role in their health. The message is clear Man Up and Check Up because early detection could save your life.
