Men’s Health Month officially began on June 1, 2025, with this year’s campaign centering around the theme, “Close the Lifespan Gender Gap by Addressing the Empathy Gap.” Led by the Men’s Health Network (MHN), the month-long initiative seeks to raise awareness about the unique health challenges faced by men, while promoting a culture of compassion and proactive care.
The campaign sheds light on an enduring public health concern: men, on average, have a shorter lifespan than women, often due to preventable diseases, mental health struggles, and a cultural reluctance to seek medical help. The empathy gap—defined by societal and systemic underinvestment in men’s health education and support—is a central focus of this year’s message.
“Men often avoid healthcare until it’s too late,” said Ana Fadich Tomsic, MHN’s Vice President, in a statement earlier this year. “By closing the empathy gap, we’re not just asking men to change—we’re encouraging society to care enough to help them do so.”
Throughout June, MHN and its partners are coordinating nationwide events aimed at fostering better health habits among men and boys. These include free health screenings, public seminars, workplace wellness programs, and social media campaigns such as “Wear Blue Day,” observed every Friday in June to symbolize solidarity for men’s health issues.
Men’s Health Week, taking place June 10–16 and culminating on Father’s Day, will serve as a focal point within the month, offering concentrated outreach efforts. Educational workshops and resource fairs are scheduled in several states, including Texas, Florida, Michigan, and California.
Michigan, for instance, has launched a state-level public health campaign through local health departments and nonprofits, promoting preventive care in underserved communities. In Southeast Texas, the nonprofit Gift of Life will hold a major men’s health fair on June 7, providing free screenings valued at more than $500 per person, including checks for prostate cancer, cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure.
Corporate entities are also stepping in. Healthcare company Endo, Inc. has unveiled a digital outreach initiative to spread awareness about men’s physical, mental, and sexual health, reinforcing the need for inclusive healthcare messaging.
Another key component of the campaign is mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women. Experts believe that addressing this crisis requires both destigmatization and increased access to mental health services tailored specifically to men’s needs.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is partnering with MHN to spotlight resources and encourage conversations around emotional well-being. “Mental health is not a genderless issue,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. “Men need to know it’s okay to ask for help—and that help is available.”
Beyond raising awareness, Men’s Health Month aims to bring about real behavioral change. MHN encourages individuals to use the month as an opportunity to schedule regular check-ups, discuss health concerns with medical professionals, and foster a healthier lifestyle through diet, exercise, and stress management.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve post-pandemic, the need for more inclusive, compassionate, and proactive men’s health policies has become increasingly evident. Advocates hope this year’s theme will galvanize more robust support from lawmakers, healthcare providers, and the public alike.