Expanding Healthy People 2030:
A Community-Driven Approach to Men’s Health
For decades, national health initiatives have sought to improve the well-being of Americans through a comprehensive public health framework. Healthy People 2030, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a crucial effort focused on health promotion and disease prevention. However, while it addresses a range of social determinants of health (SDOH), it has not fully accounted for the unique health challenges faced by men and boys.
Expanding this framework to include targeted policies and interventions for male populations will not only improve their health outcomes but also benefit families, workplaces, and communities as a whole.
Why Men’s Health Deserves Attention
Men face distinct health challenges that often go unnoticed in broad, gender-neutral public health initiatives. Studies indicate that men suffer from higher rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and workplace-related injuries compared to women (Benjamin et al., 2019; Kautzky-Willer et al., 2016). Additionally, they are less likely to seek preventive healthcare and mental health support, leading to undiagnosed and untreated conditions that contribute to the widening lifespan gender gap.
This is not about creating competition between men’s and women’s health initiatives; rather, it is about recognizing that healthier men contribute to healthier families and societies. Addressing male health disparities will not come at the expense of other groups but should complement existing efforts, ensuring all individuals receive the targeted care they need.
Key Areas for Expanding Healthy People 2030
1. Economic Stability: Breaking the Cycle of Financial and Health Struggles
A person’s financial stability directly impacts their health, and for many men, economic hardships create significant stressors that can lead to poor mental and physical health. Many men associate their sense of purpose with stable employment, meaning job loss or financial instability can be particularly distressing, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Unemployed or underemployed men face higher risks of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide, a phenomenon widely known as “Deaths of Despair” (Case & Deaton, 2015).
Healthy People 2030 could be expanded to include workforce development programs tailored to at-risk men, including mentorship initiatives, job training, and financial literacy education. Encouraging industries to support male employees’ mental well-being through workplace policies could also be a crucial step in reducing economic-driven health disparities.
2. Education Access and Quality: Addressing the Learning Disparities for Boys
Educational attainment is a strong predictor of lifelong health, yet boys are falling behind in key academic areas (DiPrete & Buchmann, 2013). Compared to girls, they are more likely to be suspended from school, struggle with literacy, and drop out before completing high school. These trends have long-term consequences, as lower educational levels limit career opportunities and access to healthcare.
Healthy People 2030 can be strengthened by incorporating gender-sensitive educational policies that recognize the different learning needs of boys rather than using a blanket approach. Initiatives such as increased male mentorship in schools, alternative disciplinary models, and hands-on learning approaches can help keep boys engaged in the classroom and set them up for success in adulthood.
3.Healthcare Access and Quality: Increasing Utilization of Preventive Care
Men visit doctors far less frequently than women, not due to personal neglect, but because of limitations within work schedules, a lack of comfort with male providers, and less availability of educational resources that address male-specific needs or perspectives (Wang et al., 2013). This reluctance stems from a variety of challenges men and boys face simply by existing in today’s society. Cultural expectations often discourage them from prioritizing their health, and male-specific health messaging is limited. Additionally, gaps in preventive screening programs mean that many men go without crucial early interventions, leaving them vulnerable to severe health outcomes.
Expanding Healthy People 2030 to include targeted outreach programs can address this challenge. Healthcare providers should be trained to engage men in discussions about routine screenings for conditions like prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Workplace-based health checkups and male-friendly community clinics with flexible scheduling can make preventive care more accessible and appealing.
4. Neighborhood and Built Environment: Creating Safer and Healthier Spaces for Men
The environments in which men live, work, and play greatly influence their health (Bowen et al., 2019; Gómez et al., 2010). Men are overrepresented in high-risk occupations and are more likely to experience violence or homelessness. Additionally, fewer safe recreational spaces for physical activity contribute to higher obesity and sedentary lifestyles among men.
Healthy People 2030 should include policies that create safer neighborhoods for all, recognizing the unique challenges that boys and men may face in these environments. Expanding programs that provide stable housing for at-risk single men, increasing access to green spaces, and funding violence prevention initiatives in high-crime areas can create healthier environments that benefit entire communities.
5. Social and Community Context: Tackling Isolation and Mental Health Stigma
Social expectations around masculinity can make it more difficult for men to openly seek emotional support, leading to increased isolation and mental health challenges. This has contributed to widespread feelings of loneliness and mental health struggles, with some men facing severe challenges in finding support, understandably. Many men find it challenging to engage in therapy, support groups, or even informal social networks, often due to societal expectations, hesitation around existing cultural and social norms, or a lack of tailored outreach.
Healthy People 2030 should incorporate male-focused community initiatives that foster peer support and mentorship programs while understanding that talk-related interventions work better if they are accompanied by action or activity. Importantly, policy and public health campaigns need to normalize mental health discussions among men and offer real solutions for increasing funding for male-specific mental health resources; interventions tailored to men and boys could go a long way in addressing existing disparities.
Actionable Recommendations for Policymakers and Community Leaders
To ensure that Healthy People 2030 adequately supports the health needs of men and boys, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders can take the following steps:
- Workforce Development: Implement financial literacy and vocational training programs targeting at-risk young men.
- Education Reform: Develop mentorship initiatives, alternative disciplinary approaches, and creative solutions built to keep boys engaged in school.
- Healthcare Expansion: Increase access to male-friendly preventive healthcare services and improve outreach efforts.
- Urban Planning: Design safer communities with accessible recreational spaces and targeted violence prevention programs.
- Community Support Initiatives: Establish male peer networks and mentoring programs to combat loneliness and encourage social engagement.
A Path Forward: Building a Healthier Future for Everyone
Improving the health outcomes of men and boys is not just a men’s issue—it’s a community health issue.
When men are healthy, they are better able to support their families, contribute to their workplaces, and actively engage in society. Expanding Healthy People 2030 to include targeted interventions for male health is a necessary step in building a more empathetic, resilient, and thriving nation.
By working together—across public health sectors, education systems, workplaces, and community organizations—we can create an environment where all individuals, regardless of sex, have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.
