**Mayor Hector Sosa has made men’s health a priority of his mayoral term. (City of Downey photo)**

DOWNEY — In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Month, the City of Downey is launching its inaugural Men’s Wellness Resource Fair this Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Apollo Park. The free event, championed by Mayor Hector Sosa, aims to raise awareness about the importance of men's physical and mental health while offering residents a fun, family-friendly afternoon packed with resources, entertainment, and education.

The fair will include free health screenings, haircuts, a classic car show, food trucks, fitness demonstrations, and a panel discussion featuring experts and community leaders on topics surrounding men’s wellness. Attendees will also be treated to a special appearance by former boxing champion Abner Mares, who will speak about the connection between physical activity and mental resilience.

For Sosa, the event is personal.

“Mental health has always been something I’ve cared deeply about, especially when it comes to men,” Sosa said. “It’s something we don’t talk about enough. There’s a stigma around it—like men aren’t supposed to ask for help or admit they’re struggling. I want to help change that.”

The idea for the event was sparked last year when Sosa attended a men’s health resource fair in South Gate. He walked away inspired.

“It was impressive. The turnout was great, the resources were meaningful, and I thought, ‘We need to do something like this in Downey,’” he said. “It stayed with me, and once I became mayor, I knew I wanted to make it one of my main initiatives.”

As mayor, Sosa sets a few priorities for the year, and bringing attention to men’s health quickly rose to the top of his list.

“When I brought the idea forward at a City Council meeting, I honestly wasn’t sure how it would be received,” Sosa admitted. “But afterward, I got phone calls and texts from guys I’ve known for years—community leaders, neighbors, friends—thanking me for raising the issue. That told me everything I needed to know: this matters.”

The event is designed to be both informative and inviting, offering something for everyone. In addition to the panel discussion, the fair will include weightless workout demonstrations, jiu-jitsu presentations, and a chance for community members to speak directly with local healthcare providers and mental health professionals.

“The whole idea is to create a safe, supportive space where men and their families can learn, connect, and hopefully feel empowered to take that next step—whether that’s scheduling a physical, reaching out for mental health support, or just talking about what they’re going through,” said Sosa.

The mayor, who is also a husband and father to two teenage boys, said he understands the pressures men face.

“We’re raised to be strong, to provide and protect, and sometimes that gets in the way of taking care of ourselves,” he said. “Even now, I have friends who say, ‘I don’t need to see a doctor,’ or ‘I can handle this on my own.’ But the truth is, none of us has it all figured out. And that’s okay.”

Sosa added that he leans on his own support system—including close friends and his wife—when he feels overwhelmed or needs guidance.

“Sometimes I’ll bounce something off my friends, or I’ll go play a round of golf, which is super therapeutic for me,” he said. “I think it’s important for men to know that it’s okay to take a step back, to decompress, to talk to someone.”

He emphasized the importance of physical health as well, particularly as men get older.

“We’re going to have information about regular checkups, blood work, prostate screenings—stuff that can literally save your life,” Sosa said. “A lot of diseases and conditions can be caught early, but only if you go to the doctor. Early detection is everything.”

Sosa hopes the event will not only provide tangible resources but also help shift the culture around men’s health in Downey.

“We’ve never really had anything like this in our city. I was actually surprised—and a little disappointed—that men's health hadn’t been addressed more before now,” he said. “I want to change that. I want this to be the start of something that grows every year.”

He also noted how men’s health impacts families.

“When you become a parent, when you’re responsible for a spouse or kids, the pressure is real,” he said. “But that’s even more reason to take care of yourself—so you can be there for the people who depend on you. That’s what this is really about.”

Sosa will be at the fair for the duration of the event, greeting attendees, visiting resource booths, and encouraging conversations with members of the community.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “My hope is that men come out, feel supported, and realize they’re not alone. Help is out there—and it’s okay to ask for it.”

The Men’s Wellness Resource Fair is free and open to the public. Families are welcome. Apollo Park is located at 12544 Rives Ave., Downey.

‘It’s Okay to Ask for Help’: Men’s Wellness Fair Coming to Downey