Rural Health Disparities for Men

This blog examines how rural health disparities place men at higher risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes due to limited healthcare access, fewer recreational spaces, high insurance costs, food insecurity, and provider shortages. It highlights that rural men experience higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges, suicide, and substance use, with disparities varying by region and shaped by social determinants of health such as socioeconomic status, education, environment, and population decline. The article emphasizes that these challenges are structural—not a lack of concern for health—and that blaming rural communities erodes trust in public health efforts. It argues for community-centered solutions that include respectful engagement, local partnerships, mobile healthcare, education, and youth involvement, concluding that improving rural men’s health requires tailored, collaborative approaches that recognize men in rural areas as essential to the well-being of families, workplaces, and communities.Continue reading

COVID-19 Vaccination: What Men Need to Know When Deciding On Protection This Season

SR. Science Advisor, Dr. S.J. Giorgianni, PharmD, says: As respiratory illness season returns, COVID-19 remains active and can still pose serious risks—especially for men age 65 and older and those with underlying conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart or lung disease. Updated 2025–2026 CDC guidance recommends seasonal vaccination for these higher-risk groups, noting that immunity can wane and the virus continues to evolve. This season offers both protein subunit and mRNA vaccine options, giving individuals more choice in how they seek protection. Men’s Health Network encourages informed decision-making in consultation with a healthcare provider, as vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, long-COVID, financial strain, and death.Continue reading

Merry Christmas from Men’s Health Network: Honoring Our Legacy, Renewing Our Mission

A Christmas message from Men’s Health Network reflecting on a year of progress, honoring a legacy that helped shape the men’s health movement, and recommitting to an empathy-driven mission focused on education, prevention, advocacy, and community outreach, so that men can live longer, healthier lives and remain present for the families and communities that depend on them.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

The Congressional Men’s Health Caucus: Congress Reaffirms National Men’s Health Week During Men’s Health Month

In recognition of Men’s Health Month 2025, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring National Men’s Health Week (June 9–15). Backed by the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, the resolution emphasizes the importance of preventive care for men, raising awareness about critical issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and chronic disease. With men continuing to die younger and seek care less often than women, this action urges greater focus on early detection, routine health screenings, and breaking the stigma around men’s health care. Men’s Health Network encourages individuals and communities to take action and support men’s health awareness throughout the month of June.Continue reading

Expanding Healthy People 2030: A Community-Driven Approach to Men’s Health

Healthy People 2030's next iteration should incorporate male-focused community initiatives that foster adequate support for the health needs of men and boys. 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. Read on for more information on how men and boys stand up against Social Determinants of Health as stated in existing policy.Continue reading

Public Health in Action – A Silent Health Crisis

Of all the things in the fields of both public health and healthcare that pique my interest and attention most, it’s health disparities, specifically the numbers 5 and 7.  In a country as productive and innovative as ours, it’s a particularly vexing reality check whenever I’m faced with those two numbers, which I’ve listed below...Continue reading

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