June 2025 marks the observance of Men’s Health Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing the persistent health disparities affecting men and boys in the United States. This year’s theme, “Close the Lifespan Gender Gap by Addressing the Empathy Gap,” underscores the critical need for increased awareness, proactive healthcare, and policy reforms to improve men’s physical and mental well-being. The campaign encourages men to prioritize preventive care, mental health support, and open dialogues about health challenges. Communities across the country are hosting events, screenings, and educational programs to promote these goals. The initiative aims to foster a more empathetic approach to men’s health, encouraging both individuals and institutions to take actionable steps toward closing the lifespan gap between men and women.
The empathy gap refers to the societal tendency to overlook or minimize men’s health issues, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. This gap is evident in mental health, where men are less likely to seek help due to stigma and cultural expectations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men die by suicide at a rate nearly four times higher than women, yet are significantly less likely to access mental health services.
To combat these disparities, various organizations are launching initiatives aimed at promoting men’s health. For instance, the Gift of Life Men’s Health & Prostate Cancer Screening event in Lumberton, Texas, provided free primary care tests, prostate cancer screenings, and physician consultations to over 130 men. Attendees also received meal boxes and gift cards, emphasizing the importance of holistic care and community support. The event is part of a larger “Summer of Screening” campaign, with additional events planned in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange.
Mental health advocates are also emphasizing the need for support, particularly in rural areas where access to services may be limited. Angela Thomson, a therapist from Huron Behavioral Health, highlights that societal expectations for men to appear strong and independent often deter them from acknowledging or addressing issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. Resources like ThumbCares.org and ManTherapy.org aim to provide accessible, stigma-free support for men in need.
Nationally, the Men’s Health Network (MHN) is spearheading efforts to raise awareness and close the lifespan gender gap through empathy and action. Their initiatives include educational campaigns, policy advocacy, and community engagement activities designed to promote preventive care and early detection of health issues. MHN’s Director of Communications, Jennifer Thompson, emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in supporting men’s health, stating, “We believe in a world where supporting men’s health is seen not as a competing cause, but as a shared responsibility.”
In addition to community events and national campaigns, policy reforms are underway to address systemic issues contributing to men’s health disparities. The UK government, for example, has launched a call for evidence to inform the development of its first-ever men’s health strategy. This initiative aims to tackle the life expectancy gap between men and women by focusing on preventable diseases, mental health issues, and social inequalities.
As Men’s Health Month continues, individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate in events, share information, and engage in conversations about men’s health. By working together to close the lifespan gender gap and address the empathy gap, society can make significant strides in improving the health and well-being of men and boys across the nation.