Men's Health Month Begins with Record Proclamations, AP News Coverage, & National Momentum for Men's Health

WASHINGTON - PrZen -- Men's Health Network (MHN) today officially kicks off Men's Health Month 2026, celebrating the 31st MHM. 2026 MHM begins with unprecedented momentum. Before the 1st week of June has started, more than 105 proclamations have been issued recognizing Men's Health Month & International Men's Health Week (IMHW), surpassing 2025. The milestone reflects growing recognition among policymakers, healthcare leaders, employers, educators, & communities that men's health deserves greater attention & investment.

Founded in 1994 through the leadership of MHN, MHM has grown from an awareness initiative into an annual observance recognized by healthcare organizations, employers, advocacy groups, policymakers, educators, community leaders, faith organizations, & families throughout the U.S. & beyond.

This year's theme is:
Partners in Care: Advancing Men's Health Through Connection, Education, & Advocacy Across the Lifespan — for Better Lifespans

The theme recognizes that men's health does not happen in isolation. Health outcomes are shaped by relationships with partners, spouses, caregivers, friends, healthcare providers, employers, coaches, educators, & communities. When men are supported through connection, education, advocacy, & empathy, everyone benefits.

Record-Breaking Proclamations
As of June 1, more than 105 proclamations have been issued recognizing MHM, officially surpassing the previous record of 100 proclamations achieved during 2025.

The proclamations include recognition from states, counties, cities, municipalities, tribal communities, & local governments. Additional proclamations are expected.

"This year's demonstrates that the conversation around men's health is expanding," said Jennifer Thompson, VP for MHN. "Communities are recognizing that men face unique health challenges, that prevention matters, & that supporting men's health strengthens families, workplaces, & communities."

A Public Health Issue That Impacts Everyone
Men in the U.S. die 6 years earlier & experience higher mortality rates. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, suicide, workplace injuries, substance use, & conditions.

Growing Policy Momentum
Men's Health Month 2026 arrives amid national conversations surrounding men's health policy & health access.

Recent  H.R. 7602, the State of Men's Health Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/ho...), have helped elevate awareness of men's health disparities, preventive care, data collection, research, & strengthened federal attention.

Important Dates During MHM 2026
- MHM (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org): June 1–30
- IMHW: (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org/mediacenter/soc...) June 15–21

Wear Blue Fridays

Individuals, organizations, workplaces, & communities are encouraged to participate in Wear Blue (https://wearblueformenshealth.com/) in June to demonstrate support for men's health.

Father's Day - June 21, 2026

Support MHM (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org):

• Download the FREE MHM Digital Media Toolkit (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org/mediacenter/soc...)
• Share educational resources & awareness messages (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org/mediacenter/soc...) on social media
• Participate in Wear Blue Fridays (https://wearblueformenshealth.com/)
• Start conversations about (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org/mediacenter/social-media-toolkit) physical health, mental health, & healthy aging
• Request a MHM proclamation (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org/week/proclamation) from local officials
• Donate (https://menshealthnetwork.org/donate) to support year-round men's health education & advocacy efforts
• Purchase educational resources (https://www.MensHealthNetwork.org/store), awareness materials in the MHN Store
• Follow & share MHM (https://www.MensHealthMonth.org) content throughout June