Category: Disparities

Since Our Last Update: Men’s Health Network Advances Public Health Through National Policy Partnerships

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

**Summary** Since our last update, Men's Health Network has continued working with national medical societies, patient advocacy organizations, researchers, and policymakers to advance public health through coalition advocacy. Recent efforts have focused on expanding access to clinical trials, protecting patients from unsafe compounded GLP-1 medications, strengthening military medical research, restoring prostate cancer research funding, and advancing the historic State of Men's Health Act. A major milestone came on July 22 with the introduction of the Senate companion to the State of Men's Health Act—the first time legislation to establish a federal Office of Men's Health has been introduced in both the House and Senate during the same Congress. Together, these initiatives reflect the growing recognition that improving the health of men and boys requires collaboration, evidence-based policy, and sustained advocacy. Continue reading

For the First Time: Men’s Health Legislation Has Bipartisan Support in Both Chambers of Congress

Advocacy, Disparities, Policy, Public PolicyLeave a comment

For the first time, bipartisan legislation to establish a federal Office of Men's Health has been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Learn why this development represents the strongest congressional support yet for a coordinated national approach to improving the health and well-being of men and boys.Continue reading

“Men’s Health Isn’t Just Personal—It’s Structural:” Why This Conversation Matters Now More Than Ever

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Legislative, Policy, Public Policy, RegulatoryLeave a comment

This article highlights Dr. Dominick Shattuck’s discussion on *The Meaning of Men Podcast*, exploring how men’s health outcomes are influenced not only by personal choices but also by healthcare systems, policies, and social structures. The piece examines why many men disengage from preventive care, the importance of meeting men where they are, and strategies that can improve long-term healthcare engagement. Building on Dr. Shattuck’s insights, Men’s Health Network discusses why this conversation is especially timely amid growing awareness of the Lifespan Gender Gap and ongoing efforts to improve men’s health policy and preventive care. The article emphasizes that men’s health is not just an individual issue, but one that affects families, workplaces, communities, and society as a whole.Continue reading

Health Education Behind Bars is Not Optional: It’s Imperative

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Health, Lifestyle, Policy, Prison, Public Policy, Regulatory, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

This advocacy op-ed argues that health education and preventive care programs should be expanded within correctional facilities to address the significant health disparities experienced by incarcerated men and boys. The article highlights how improved health literacy, chronic disease management, mental health awareness, and continuity of care can lead to better health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and stronger community reintegration. It emphasizes that voluntary, ethically implemented health education programs are a practical public health investment that benefits both incarcerated individuals and society as a whole.Continue reading

Why America Can No Longer Ignore Men’s Health: Responding to the Growing Call for a Federal Men’s Health Strategy

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Parenting, PolicyLeave a comment

This response article examines the growing national conversation around men’s health policy through the lens of Dr. Dominick Shattuck’s Substack post, “Why the U.S. Needs a Federal Strategy on Men’s Health.” The blog explores the nearly six-year Lifespan Gender Gap between men and women, highlighting how preventable conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, injury, and suicide continue contributing to premature mortality among men. It discusses the structural, cultural, and healthcare-system barriers that often prevent men from engaging in preventive care early, including stigma, medical mistrust, workplace pressures, and norms surrounding self-reliance. The article also analyzes the proposed H.R. 7602 — State of Men’s Health Act, which would establish a national study on men’s health disparities and create an Office of Men’s Health within HHS to coordinate prevention and public awareness efforts. Throughout the piece, the response emphasizes that improving men’s health outcomes is not a zero-sum issue, but rather a broader public health, workforce, family, and community issue that benefits society as a whole through stronger preventive care, earlier intervention, and improved healthcare engagement.Continue reading

Men’s Health Month, June 2026: A Month of Action for Men, Families, & Communities

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Editorials, Education, Events, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Legislative, Lifestyle, Mental Health, New Again, Parenting, Policy, Public Policy, Regulatory, Relationships, Research and Science, Well-being, WorkLeave a comment

Men's Health Month 2026 brought together healthcare organizations, policymakers, community leaders, employers, volunteers, and advocates from across the country to improve the health and well-being of men and boys. From 170 official proclamations and a Congressional Men's Health Event on Capitol Hill to community fundraisers, educational initiatives, and national partnerships, this year's campaign highlighted the power of collaboration in advancing men's health. As June comes to a close, Men's Health Network reflects on the month's accomplishments and looks ahead to continuing this important work throughout the year.Continue reading

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

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

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