Senators Gallego, Marshall Introduce Bill to Establish Office of Men’s Health

WASHINGTON — Today, Senators Ruben Galego (D-AZ) and Roger Marshall (R-KY) introduced a bill to improve men’s health. Representatives Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) introduced the companion bill in February. 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. “Men are facing a growing health crisis and dying earlier from preventable conditions like cancer, heart disease, and mental health struggles. Instead of letting men continue to struggle alone in silence, this bill would establish an Office of Men’s Health to promote preventive care and life-saving research,” said Senator Gallego. “When we invest in men’s health, we build stronger families and stronger communities.” The bill is endorsed by the American Urological Association, Men’s Health Network, ZERO Prostate Cancer, and the American Medical Association. “The Senate’s action moves us one step closer to a national commitment to men’s health. Senator Marshall brings a physician’s understanding of what patients face, and Senator Gallego brings the perspective of a veteran who knows the cost of untreated illness,” said Dr. Mark Edney, Chair of the American Urological Association Public Policy Council (AUA). “With champions in both chambers and a growing coalition behind this bill, the case for a dedicated Office of Men’s Health has never been stronger. The AUA is proud to stand with them, and with our partners in the Men’s Health Policy Alliance, until this becomes law.” “The Men’s Health Network is thrilled to support the introduction of the State of Men’s Health Act in the Senate.  We know that the existing Federal offices of women’s health have done important work to enhance the lifespans and quality of life for women.  We look at the advances in women’s longevity not in competition but in admiration. The gains in women’s longevity give hope for similar advances for men,” said Ron Henry, President of Men’s Health Network. “Too many American men are still dying too young and that hurts all of us. Not only the men themselves, but also the wives, daughters, sons and sisters who love them, the employers who lose productive workers, and the communities which lose the men’s contributions as taxpayers and as community builders. We are very grateful for the Senate’s introduction of the State of Men’s Health Act and look forward to broad bipartisan support for prompt passage. “Every day without coordinated federal action on men’s health is a day we lose men to prostate cancer, a disease that is highly treatable when caught early, and other preventable conditions,” said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO, ZERO Prostate Cancer . “The State of Men’s Health Act changes that. By establishing a dedicated Office of Men’s Health, we finally have a pathway to close the gaps in our health system that have cost too many men their lives. ZERO is proud to stand behind this legislation and will fight to see it across the finish line.” Read the full bill text here .