Pandemics have a way of shining a harsh light on inequities in our society. In recent years, we’ve seen global outbreaks that required rapid vaccine dissemination. But those vaccines often reach some communities more slowly than others—the same ones that are struck hardest by the pandemic and have the greatest need for healthcare intervention. Disparities...Continue reading
Dear Healthy Men: I know that Men’s Health Month was a few months ago, but shouldn’t we be paying attention to men’s health all year ‘round? A: Absolutely! That’s what we try to do here at Healthy Men—and it’s actually pretty easy. There are health-related awareness periods every month (Men’s Health Month, which you mentioned, is...Continue reading
A Letter from the HHS Partnership Center Director Greetings friends, The data is in and, as many would have anticipated, the COVID-19 pandemic was experienced with particular hardship among those with substance use disorders. In 2020, the rate of drug overdose deaths accelerated and increased 31% from the year before – usually from opioids –...
This month’s recognition of Men’s Health Month provides a timely opportunity to celebrate the longstanding relationship between Men’s Health Network (MHN) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and to examine some of the lessons we have learned together that point the way forward in addressing the highest priority health problems facing men today. PCORI...Continue reading
June is Men’s Health Month, which makes this the perfect time to highlight the massive public health crisis that too many of us are not aware of: On average, men die five years younger than women, with African American and Native American men having the shortest life expectancy1 and die at higher rates from 9...Continue reading
The proposal to arm teachers in Texas to solve gun violence in the schools is preposterous. While there may be individuals with the ability and training and know how to effectively guard their classrooms in addition to teaching children and performing the myriad other tasks (counseling, discipline, reporting to parents and administrators) and are willing...Continue reading
Dear Healthy Men: You talk about a lot of health issues where men’s concerns are overlooked or ignored. But what about crime? We all know that men commit the majority of crimes and we often hear about female victims of crime. But why don’t we hear about male victims? A: Excellent questions. But since the word...Continue reading
Dear Healthy Men: I just read that the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) is recommending against men and boys doing testicular self-exams. What could possibly be wrong with educating young men about how to examine themselves for early signs of cancer? A: I agree completely—and I’m far from alone. In fact, an entire coalition...Continue reading
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, ensuring one’s physical health became the priority. As the toll of social distancing and prolonged stay-in-place orders have shown, the importance of addressing mental health and well-being is integral to our COVID-19 response for all, but particularly for people of color. Minority communities across the nation have experienced greater rates...Continue reading
I grew up in an affirming faith community that had an AIDS outreach ministry in the early 1990s, which was a radical move during that period and a statement that I hope helps frame my story. For 16 years, HIV has been a major part of my life. Though my HIV status is negative, I...Continue reading