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U.S. Representatives Hill and Murphy Introduce the 'Men and Families Health Care Act of 2009'

Posted on: Thursday, 30 April 2009, 09:01 CDT

Congressional Leaders and National Organizations Respond to Increasing Support for Men's Health Issues in National Health Care Debate

WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Men's Health Network applauds Representatives Barron Hill (D-IN) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) today for introducing H.R. 2115, the "Men and Families Health Care Act of 2009."

This bipartisan legislation would establish an Office of Men's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of improving the health of men and their families. This Office will mirror the existing Office of Women's Health, established in the early 1990s, which has improved the quality of life for women nationwide.

"The goal of this bill is to raise awareness about men's health issues, and ways we can prevent and detect men's health problems. The Office of Men's Health will bring this issue to the Federal stage and result in more men getting the treatment they need, which will save lives," said Congressman Murphy. "For too long the health needs of men have gone unaddressed. This bill will help men's health take its rightful place in our Federal government's healthcare priorities."

"Men need to be educated and emboldened to take ownership of their health," said Scott T. Williams VP, Men's Health Network. "If such an effort and messaging is undertaken at the federal level, men and their families will benefit in all states and local communities."

"I try to take good care of myself by exercising and watching what I eat. But, I know I need to go to the doctor more often. I think men often need a little extra push when it comes to taking care of their health, and I think this bill is one way to do just that," said Congressman Hill.

"Illness and disease among men have significant impact on every facet of society," said Jean Bonhomme, MD, MPH, co-founder, National Black Men's Health Network. "Women and children are affected economically and emotionally by men's unnecessary disability and premature death as well as by health care costs."

"We are happy to see that this bill has been introduced. An Office of Men's Health is an effective way to reach men with valuable information and ultimately save lives, keeping families healthy and happy," says Theresa Morrow of Women Against Prostate Cancer.

The office will be designed to monitor and coordinate efforts to improve the health and well-being of men by streamlining government efforts on the federal and state levels in the areas of prevention, health education, outreach, and research. You can learn more and take action by visiting the Men's Health Office Resource Center at www.menshealthoffice.com.

Men's Health Network is a national educational non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.

SOURCE Men's Health Network

Source: PR Newswire

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