Members of MTSU fraternities are banding together for a hair-raising experience, but it has nothing to do with Halloween.

A monthlong initiative to raise awareness of men’s health issues will begin with a “Shave the Date Party” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at WoodsViking Barber Shop, 15 S. Public Square in Murfreesboro.

Each of MTSU’s 10 Interfraternity Council chapters will have members shaving their facial hair. Throughout November, the young men will regrow their mustaches and provide periodic updates on social media with the hashtag #ShowYourMo.

Other IFC members will establish a table in the Student Union Building to share information about men’s health throughout the month while promoting online donations to the Movember Foundation at https://us.movember.com/team/2232499.

The Movember Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a goal of reducing the number of men dying prematurely by 25 percent by the year 2030. It is “the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale year-round,” according to the organization’s website.

“Men have a tendency to ignore health issues, especially mental health issues,” said IFC President John Connor Coulston, a senior journalism major from Brownsville, Tennessee.

“Some think seeking medical help is a sign of weakness. As leaders of MTSU’s fraternity community, we want to destigmatize getting help and spread awareness of these issues to hopefully save someone’s life one day.”

For more information, contact Coulston at jcc6r@mtmail.mtsu.edu or Zakary Gosa-Lewis, coordinator of fraternity and sorority life, at zakary.gosa-lewis@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)