MHN forms Men's Health Caucus to improve health and well-being of men

American Public Health Association Approves Men's Health Caucus

Men's Health Network (MHN) is pleased to announce the formation of a Men's Health Caucus in official relations with the American Public Health Association (APHA). As an active participant of the APHA Annual Meeting for many years we have seen growing interest and excitement generated around the need and desire to form a Men's Health Caucus and we are happy to see it come to fruition.

Scott T. Williams, Chair of the newly formed Caucus and Vice President for Men's Health Network, explained, "The Men's Health Caucus is necessary to bring together academic institutions, health departments, non-profit organizations and others with a common interest in improving the health and well-being of men and their families. This field is in desperate need of a diverse, multidisciplinary, and coordinated approach to better tackle this public health issue within our communities."

The Men's Health Caucus will allow APHA members and others interested in the field to coalesce around the impact of poor health outcomes and premature death in men on public health. Men on average live about 5 years less than their female counterparts and the CDC reports that women are 100% more likely than men to seek preventative care.

"I am so happy to see the Men's Health Caucus come together. We know that men's health does not affect men in isolation. Premature death, chronic disease and disability impact wives, children and families across the country. If men are educated and empowered about their health, we are taking another step toward building healthier families," shared Theresa Morrow, Co-Founder of Women Against Prostate Cancer and Membership Chair for the Caucus.

Over the past several decades, men have shown poorer health outcomes across all racial and ethnic groups as well as socioeconomic status.  Federal and State governments, community health centers, health professionals and other community organizations are often left absorbing the enormous costs of premature death and disability, including the costs of caring for dependents left behind.  

"The American Public Health Association is pleased to announce and support the formation of a Men's Health Caucus," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of APHA. "This new group will bring APHA members and others together to draw attention to this emerging field and cross-cutting public health concern. Protecting and improving the health of men and their families is essential to improving the health of our nation."