A New Chapter in Men’s Health Advocacy:
2025 Congressional Men’s Health Caucus Reforms and Rallies Support
A powerful new era of leadership is taking shape in Washington, D.C., as the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus reconvenes for 2025—bringing fresh energy, a renewed commitment, and a shared goal: improving the lives and health outcomes of men and boys across the nation.
On May 1, 2025, lawmakers, advocates, and national partners gathered at the U.S. Capitol for a press conference announcing the official relaunch of the bipartisan Congressional Men’s Health Caucus.
With a bold agenda, passionate leaders, and policy proposals already on the table, the event marked not just another legislative moment—but a turning point in the men’s health movement.
This year’s relaunch carries extra weight. The untimely passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), a longtime champion for men’s health and co-founder of the Caucus, left a significant void in the field. Yet from this loss came resolve.
Stepping forward are the next generation of leaders, determined to honor his legacy by accelerating progress in prevention, policy, and empathy.
Rebuilding a Bipartisan Force for Change
The newly announced leadership team is led by Co-Chairs Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), with Vice-Chairs Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Rep. Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL).
Their bipartisan commitment underscores a critical truth: men’s health is not a political issue—it’s a public health priority.
These lawmakers bring more than titles to the table—they bring action. Among their priorities are two resolutions drawing attention to men’s health, along with two powerful bills: one to establish a federal Office of Men’s Health and another to embed men’s health responsibilities within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. These initiatives aim to close the widening lifespan gender gap and bring long-overdue focus to preventable health challenges facing men.
A Voice for the Movement: MHN President Ronald Henry Speaks
Representing Men’s Health Network—one of the original and continuing partners to the Caucus—was MHN President Ronald Henry, who addressed the crowd with a message that was both urgent and hopeful.
“We welcome the progress that has been made in women’s health, and we are working to help men learn from those successes,” said Henry. “Reducing premature death and disability among men isn’t just important for the men themselves; it’s important to the wives, sisters, and daughters who love them.”
Henry called attention to a stark reality: the lifespan gender gap is now over 5.3 years, and it’s been widening steadily since 2015.
“The Lifespan Gender Gap rises and falls over time with both medical advances and public health advances. From a peak of 7.7 years in 1979, the Lifespan Gender Gap was reduced by three full years to 4.7 years by 2010. Unfortunately, the Lifespan Gender Gap began growing again in 2015, and that is not good for any part of American society,” he said.
The message was clear: this fight is not about blame or competition.
It’s about empathy, prevention, and creating better outcomes for everyone—because when men are healthier, families and communities are stronger.
Legislative Momentum and Medical Leadership
Caucus members unveiled key legislation already in progress:
- The Men’s Health Workforce Act, introduced by Rep. Carter, aims to expand access to mental health services in underserved communities.
- The PSA Screening for HIMs Act, co-led by Rep. Carter and Dr. Neal Dunn, would require insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men.
These proposals directly support the goals of Men’s Health Network and address gaps in preventive care, education, and access to essential services that continue to harm men’s long-term health outcomes.
The Road Ahead: From Silence to Empathy
This year’s reform of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus comes at a crucial time. The mental health crisis among men is escalating. Preventable diseases continue to claim lives. And still, silence surrounds too many conversations about men’s well-being.
That’s why the 2025 Caucus agenda centers on shifting the narrative—from reaction to prevention, from stigma to openness, and from isolation to community. The theme echoes a broader movement led by Men’s Health Network and its partners: bringing empathy back to health conversations.
MHN has long believed that awareness is the first step to action.
As an organization that helped establish Men’s Health Week, Men’s Health Month, and Wear Blue Day, MHN continues to provide trusted resources, policy insight, and grassroots momentum to support the mission of the Caucus and beyond.
A Legacy of Advocacy—and a New Generation Rising
As the Caucus continues its work through the remainder of the 118th Congress, it does so with deep respect for the leaders who paved the way—especially Rep. Donald Payne Jr., whose advocacy helped put men’s health on the national stage.
Now, a new generation is stepping in—not only on Capitol Hill, but across the country. Nonprofits, doctors, teachers, coaches, and families are joining forces to create a healthier future for our sons, fathers, brothers, and partners.
Men’s Health Network invites you to be part of this mission.
Whether you’re a policymaker, a community leader, or simply someone who cares, there’s a place for your voice and your action in this movement.
Ways to Get Involved: Support Men’s Health Month 2025
Men’s Health Month is celebrated every June—and this year, in 2025, we need your voice more than ever.
Raise awareness, start conversations, or host a donation campaign to support the cause. Whether you’re organizing a workplace event, community walk, health fair, or online fundraiser, your efforts can help close the Empathy Gap in men’s health.
📣 Download the FREE 2025 Men’s Health Month Digital Toolkit to get started:
menshealthmonth.org/mediacenter/social-media-toolkit
This year’s theme: Closing the Empathy Gap through Advocacy, Awareness, & Action.
The Empathy Gap refers to the widespread lack of care, funding, and support for men’s health, education, and emotional well-being. Men’s health issues are often dismissed or minimized, leading to fewer resources, delayed diagnoses, and less public awareness.
Despite alarming statistics, men’s health receives significantly less national attention:
- Men die 6 years earlier than women, primarily from preventable health issues.
- Prostate and testicular cancers receive far less focus than other cancer awareness movements.
- Suicide rates among men are significantly higher, yet mainstream mental health efforts rarely incorporate male-centered solutions or outreach.
This June, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re calling for empathy.
Whether it’s through family conversations, workplace initiatives, or sharing your own journey, your voice can help change the narrative.
Campaign Messages You Can Use:
- “Stuck Inside? It’s okay to share your emotions.”
- “Dads teach how to handle emotions.”
- “Dads Next Generation – Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives.”
- “The Empathy Gap Illustrated.”
Help us highlight the recognizable pattern of neglecting men’s and boys’ issues—a pattern often driven by the mistaken belief that giving attention to men’s struggles takes something away from other important efforts. In reality, supporting men’s health creates stronger families, healthier communities, and better outcomes for everyone.
Take action today:
✔️ Download and share the toolkit
✔️ Use your platform to speak out
✔️ Host a Men’s Health Month event
✔️ Fundraise to support awareness and outreach
✔️ Encourage men to prioritize preventive screenings and mental well-being
Together, we can bridge the Empathy Gap and build a healthier future for men and the families who love them.
Men’s Health Network — Reaching Men Where They Live, Work, Play, and Pray.
