Category: Advocacy

Advancing Men’s Health Together: Building on Progress Through an Expanding National Network

Advocacy, Disparities, Legislative, Policy, Public PolicyLeave a comment

The men’s health movement is entering a more advanced, coordinated phase, marked by increasing legislative wins, stronger advocacy alignment, growing use of data, and rising public visibility. Efforts like no-cost prostate cancer screening laws across multiple states demonstrate that progress is no longer isolated—it is connected, iterative, and accelerating. However, while meaningful progress is happening, it is not being consistently captured or communicated as a unified story. By developing a structured “Advances in Men’s Health” timeline, Men’s Health Network can transform fragmented updates into a clear narrative that highlights sustained momentum, reinforces credibility, and shows national impact. At its core, this progress is driven by an expanding network. Achievements are not the result of single organizations, but of coordinated partnerships across advocacy groups, clinical leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders. MHN’s role as a national convener is to connect and amplify these efforts. Ultimately, the network itself is the story—demonstrating how collaboration leads to scalable, repeatable, and impactful advancements in men’s health.Continue reading

Men’s Social Determinants of Health

Advocacy, Disparities, Economics, Editorials, Education, Family, Family Issues, Lifestyle, Mental Health, New Again, Policy, Relationships, Well-beingOne Comment

This blog explains how men’s health goals and outcomes are deeply shaped by social determinants of health (SDOH)—the non-medical factors that influence where men are born, how they are raised, where they work, and how they age. It outlines the five core SDOH—economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context—and shows how each affects men’s ability to seek care, make healthy choices, and maintain well-being. The piece emphasizes that men’s health challenges are not due to personal failure, but to structural barriers such as financial strain, limited healthcare access, demanding work schedules, unsafe or resource-poor neighborhoods, and stigma around help-seeking. By increasing awareness of how these determinants interact, the article argues that men can better understand their health challenges, reduce stigma, and support healthier behaviors, ultimately strengthening families, communities, and long-term outcomes for future generations.Continue reading

Men’s Health Network Joins National Coalitions: Supporting Bladder Cancer Research Funding and Strengthening the Nursing Workforce

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Legislative, New Again, Policy, Public PolicyLeave a comment

MHN announced its support for two national policy initiatives aimed at improving men’s health outcomes. The organization joined national coalitions advocating for the creation of a Bladder Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense CDMRP and for federal policy updates recognizing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees as professional degrees to strengthen the healthcare workforce. The announcement highlights the importance of cancer prevention, research investment, and expanding access to care, particularly for men who face higher mortality rates and barriers to preventive services.Continue reading

From Advocacy to Action: Establishing Standards for Men’s Health Nursing

Advocacy, Editorials, New Again, Policy, Public Policy, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

Men’s Health Nursing has achieved formal specialty recognition through approval of its Scope and Standards of Practice by the American Nurses Association, marking a historic turning point for men’s health in the United States. This milestone establishes clear national standards for how nurses are trained and evaluated in caring for boys and men, transforming decades of advocacy into structured clinical action. As federal momentum builds with the introduction of H.R. 7602, the State of Men’s Health Act, this recognition strengthens the bridge between policy, professional education, and front-line care. Together, these advancements signal a new era in men’s health—one rooted in empathy, accountability, and a coordinated commitment to helping men live longer, healthier lives.Continue reading

A Turning Point for Men’s Health: From Introduction to Nationwide Momentum for H.R. 7602

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Legislative, New Again, Policy, Public Policy, Regulatory, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

A historic shift is underway in men’s health policy. This blog explores the introduction of the State of Men’s Health Act (H.R. 7602), the growing bipartisan and national medical support behind it, and the landmark recognition of Men’s Health Nursing as a specialty—marking a pivotal moment in strengthening federal coordination, clinical infrastructure, and prevention efforts for men and boys across the United States.Continue reading

Illinois Leads the Nation in Men’s Health: A Closer Look at the 2025 Men’s Health Assessment

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Legislative, Policy, Public Policy, Regulatory, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

Illinois is leading the nation in men’s health by becoming one of the only states with a dedicated Men’s Health Section within its Department of Public Health. The newly released Men’s Health Assessment 2025, authored by Andrew Lerch, DPT, PT, provides a comprehensive, data-driven look at the health challenges facing men across the state. This landmark report highlights disparities, identifies priority areas for action, and offers a blueprint for how states can integrate men’s health into public health strategy, policy, and practice.Continue reading

This Giving Tuesday: Be the Change Men’s Health Needs

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Editorials, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Legislative, Lifestyle, New Again, Policy, Public Policy, RegulatoryLeave a comment

Giving Tuesday is next week, and Men’s Health Network (MHN) is calling on supporters to help close the Lifespan Gender Gap and build empathy for men’s health. This year, MHN expanded outreach across communities, churches, and schools, relaunched the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, and supported bipartisan resolutions like H.R. 1300 (PSA Screening for HIM Act) and H.R. 675 (Prostate Cancer Awareness Month), advancing prevention and early detection nationwide. From toolkits that reached thousands to Ambassadors leading local events, MHN continues reaching men where they live, work, play, and pray. Your support powers awareness, education, and advocacy that saves lives.Continue reading

Honoring Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Men’s Health: Celebrating the Inaugural Jimmy Boyd Memorial Award

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Men’s Health Network commemorates a milestone moment in the men’s health movement with the presentation of the Inaugural Jimmy Boyd Memorial Award for Leadership in Men’s and Boys’ Health, established by the APHA Men’s Health Caucus. The award honors the legacy of Jimmy Boyd, former Executive Director of MHN’s Washington, D.C. office, whose decades of advocacy helped launch Men’s Health Week and later Men’s Health Month. Jimmy’s bold leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of men and boys continue to influence the field today. The first recipient of the award, Derek M. Griffith, PhD, was recognized for his extensive contributions to men’s health research, policy, and global leadership. In his acceptance statement, Derek reflected on Jimmy’s generosity, wisdom, and guidance—qualities that shaped many of today’s men’s health advocates. Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH) also celebrated Derek’s recognition, noting how his leadership honors Jimmy’s legacy while advancing the movement worldwide. The blog highlights MHN’s official tribute to Jimmy Boyd, emphasizing his profound impact on policy, advocacy, mentorship, and the spirit of the men’s health movement. It also reflects on the award’s significance as a symbol of continuity—from Jimmy’s foundational work to Derek’s ongoing leadership. Together, Jimmy Boyd’s legacy and Derek Griffith’s achievements underscore the compassion, dedication, and human connection that continue to propel the men’s health movement forward.Continue reading

November: A Month to Focus on Men’s Health and Community

Advocacy, Aging, Anxiety, Boys, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Diabetes, Disparities, Editorials, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fertility, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Nutrition, Other Cancers, Parenting, Policy, Psychology, Relationships, Sex, STDs, Testicular, Testosterone, Well-beingLeave a comment

November is a pivotal month for raising awareness about men’s health and community well-being. From Alzheimer’s and diabetes to epilepsy, tobacco use, and sexual health, each observance offers an opportunity to take action and encourage preventive care. Men’s Health Network emphasizes that health doesn’t take a season off—simple habits, early conversations, and empathy-driven outreach can make lasting change. This month’s blog highlights national campaigns like the Great American Smokeout, National Diabetes Month, and Impotence Education Month, alongside Illinois’ groundbreaking creation of a Division of Men’s Health. It also spotlights the growing Men’s Health Ambassadorship Program—ordinary people doing extraordinary work to close the Lifespan Gender Gap and build healthier communities. Through awareness, advocacy, and everyday choices, November reminds us that improving men’s health is a shared mission that benefits families, workplaces, and society as a whole.Continue reading

Championing Men’s Health: MHN’s 2025 Policy and Advocacy Highlights

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Health, Legislative, New Again, Policy, Public Policy, Regulatory, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

In 2025, Men’s Health Network advanced men’s health by supporting prostate and kidney cancer research, pushing for stronger HPV vaccination guidance for boys, expanding telehealth access, and endorsing global prevention initiatives. These efforts highlight MHN’s leadership in shaping policies that improve the health and future of men and boys.Continue reading

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