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
Tag: Lifespan Gender Gap
From Advocacy to Action: Establishing Standards for Men’s Health Nursing
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
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
Boys Falling Off the Health-Care Map: And How We Keep Them Connected
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
This Giving Tuesday: Be the Change Men’s Health Needs
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
Homicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap
Summary: Men’s Health Network highlights how homicide contributes to the Lifespan Gender Gap—the nearly six-year difference in life expectancy between men and women. Each preventable death of a young man shortens the national average and represents lost potential, relationships, and community strength. In his article, Dr. Andrew Smiler examines data showing that men account for 80% of homicide victims, with most deaths occurring among young men under 35. Many are killed by people they know, often in moments of conflict or status-related tension. Smiler suggests that prevention begins with education—teaching boys and men how to resolve conflict, manage emotions, and de-escalate situations without violence. Men’s Health Network calls for greater empathy and early intervention to help young men live longer, healthier lives, reminding readers that every life saved helps close the gap and strengthen families and communities nationwide.Continue reading
November: A Month to Focus on Men’s Health and Community
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
Male Suicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap
October is National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month, a time to bring attention to the silent crisis affecting men and boys. In this blog, Men’s Health Network highlights the deep connection between suicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap, reminding us that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Contributor Dr. Andrew Smiler examines the data, cultural pressures, and life circumstances, such as loss of work or relationships, that contribute to male suicide rates. The piece urges readers to break the silence, check in with the men in their lives, and remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Together, we can close the gap and remind the world that mental health is men’s health.Continue reading
This Men’s Health Month: Let’s Shift the Focus to DAD!
Father’s Day is next week, which makes this an especially important time to reflect on and support dads everywhere. We may not always know the burdens they shoulder. Many men feel it’s best to stay silent about the physical or mental pain they’re carrying. They just want to be the rock in their family—the steady protector who never asks for help. But we must remember: even the strongest need support. Too many fathers are suffering in silence, believing it’s their role to bear it all alone. Whether it’s unspoken anxiety, untreated chronic pain, or invisible burnout, these internal battles are real—and often devastating if left unaddressed.Continue reading
