Congressman Carter, Murphy Introduce the State of Men’s Health Act
Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) introduced the State of Men's Health Act (H.R. 7602).
The bill would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the state of men’s health in the United States and issue a report to Congress on the results, including health disparities experienced by men.
It would also require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create an Office of Men’s Health and submit a report to Congress following the creation of the office, detailing findings on men’s health and recommendations to improve men’s health outcomes.
“Too many men skip checkups, stay silent about symptoms, and lose precious years of their lives because of stigma or lack of access to care.
This legislation is about changing that. It will take a hard look at the health challenges men face and create stronger coordination across the federal government to focus on issues like prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and more.
As the father of two sons, I want them to grow up in a world where taking care of their health is encouraged, not stigmatized, and where quality, affordable care is within reach. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the State of Men’s Health Act. It’s time to change the conversation and help more men live longer, healthier lives for the people who depend on them,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
“Improving the health of American men is critical to the success of the country, especially the next generation of leaders, fathers, and husbands,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “As a physician of 35 years, I uniquely understand how men suffer greatly from preventable diseases that could be mitigated or avoided entirely. We cannot avoid the reality of the dramatic decline in male health across the country any longer. I am proud to lead the effort to establish an Office of Men’s Health within the Department of Health and Human Services and direct the agency to expand its work to address this crisis.”
The bill is endorsed by the American Urological Association, Men’s Health Network, ZERO Prostate Cancer, and the American Medical Association.
"At the Men's Health Network, we are very grateful for this new Congressional action. Too many men are dying too young from preventable or treatable conditions. An Office of Men's Health is essential not only for the men themselves, but also for the wives, sisters and daughters who love them," said Ron Henry, President of the Men's Health Network.
"Men's health has been overlooked for far too long at the federal level," said Courtney Bugler, CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "The State of Men's Health Act will provide the coordinated leadership necessary to address critical health disparities, improve early detection, and ultimately save lives. We're proud to support this legislation and grateful for the work of Congressman Carter to ensure men receive the attention and resources they deserve.”
"The AUA is thrilled to partner with Representatives Troy Carter and Greg Murphy, MD, in launching renewed efforts to establish a national Office of Men’s Health and proudly endorses their legislation to do the same, [the State of Men’s Health Act, H.R. 7602],” said AUA’s Public Policy Council Chair, Dr. Mark Edney. “As Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus and the only practicing urologist serving in the U.S. Congress, respectively, Rep. Carter and Dr. Murphy are the pre-eminent men's health champions on Capitol Hill, and I can think of no bipartisan duo better equipped to advance this important cause. And the time is now – as men and boys continue to lag on important public health measures – the need for and urgency around establishing a dedicated national Office of Men’s Health is greater than ever. AUA is proud to have helped spearhead this effort, and the organization will continue working with Rep. Carter and Dr. Murphy to get this needed legislation signed into law.”
“The American Medical Association strongly supports efforts to establish an Office of Men’s Health within HHS to better coordinate awareness, outreach, and health outcomes for men. Strengthening federal focus on preventive screenings for colorectal and prostate cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease could significantly improve early detection and reduce preventable deaths. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Troy Carter Sr. and Greg Murphy, MD, in advancing legislation to strengthen public health outreach and improve the health of America’s men and their families,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D.
Read the full bill text here.
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