Tag: health equity

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

As Colorectal Cancer Rises in Young Men, Silence Remains Deadly

Advocacy, Boys, Growing Up, Health, Health, Other Cancers, PolicyLeave a comment

This personal story explores the growing rise of colorectal cancer among younger men through the experience of Junius Nottingham Jr., whose son Jeremy died from advanced colorectal cancer at just 31 years old after an undiagnosed case of Lynch syndrome. The blog highlights how stigma, silence, and cultural expectations around masculinity often prevent men from speaking up about symptoms, seeking preventive care, or advocating for genetic testing. It also raises awareness about Lynch syndrome as the most common hereditary cause of colorectal cancer and emphasizes the importance of family health history, early detection, and proactive healthcare conversations. Through personal reflection and advocacy, the author encourages men and families to connect the dots around hereditary cancer risks, seek medical evaluation early, and break the silence surrounding men’s health and cancer prevention. Continue reading

Meet Men’s Health Network’s Advisory Board: Advancing Men’s Health via Expertise, Collaboration, & Leadership

Advocacy, Editorials, Legislative, PolicyLeave a comment

Men's Health Network is proud to be guided by an accomplished Advisory Board made up of physicians, researchers, public health leaders, nurses, psychologists, educators, policy experts, and advocates who share a commitment to improving the health and well-being of men, boys, and their families. Their collective expertise helps shape our educational resources, advocacy priorities, research initiatives, and community outreach efforts. From advancing men's health policy and preventive care to strengthening partnerships and expanding public awareness, our Advisory Board plays an important role in helping Men's Health Network fulfill its mission. Meet the remarkable individuals whose leadership, experience, and dedication continue to drive meaningful progress for men's health across the United States and around the world.Continue reading

Meet Our Men’s Health Network Ambassadors: Dedicated volunteers advancing men’s health via education, advocacy, and community leadership.

Education, LifestyleLeave a comment

Meet the dedicated volunteers helping advance men's health across the United States and beyond. From physicians, nurses, researchers, and educators to cancer survivors, veterans, and community advocates, Men's Health Network Ambassadors are making a difference by promoting education, prevention, and healthier communities. Discover their inspiring stories and learn how you can become an ambassador in your own community.Continue reading

Boys Falling Off the Health-Care Map: And How We Keep Them Connected

Anxiety, Boys, Depression, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Growing Up, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Others, Relationships, Well-beingLeave a comment

This blog, reposted from Dominick Shattuck, PhD’s Substack with permission from the author, examines new research showing how many boys quietly disengage from preventive health care during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Drawing on findings from the Journal of Adolescent Health and decades of men’s health research, the piece explores how masculinity norms, low perceived risk, structural barriers, and unwelcoming health systems contribute to boys “falling off the health-care map.” It highlights why this early disengagement matters for long-term health outcomes and outlines practical, evidence-informed strategies for building health systems that keep boys connected to care before preventable problems become lifelong challenges.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

Prostate Cancer Needs More Than a Global Initiative: Ground-Level Action Needed

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Health, Legislative, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Policy, Prostate, Public Policy, Regulatory, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

Men’s Health Network responds to Global Action on Men’s Health’s new report on prostate cancer with a call for urgent, ground-level action. While supporting a WHO-led global initiative, MHN stresses that real impact requires community outreach, empathy-driven education, and trusted local engagement. Prostate cancer is rising fast, especially among underserved men, yet too many go without screening or support. This Men’s Health Month, MHN urges policymakers and the public to bridge the empathy gap and take action now. Learn more, get involved, and help bring life-saving care to where men live, work, play, and pray.Continue reading

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