As Men’s Health Month wrapped up at the end of June, its momentum has carried forward into the summer, reinforcing a year-long commitment to men’s health—especially mental well-being. Throughout June, which included International Men’s Health Week from June 9 to 15, the Men’s Health Network led a high-impact campaign under its 2025 theme, “Bring Empathy Back: Men Fight Battles We Can’t Always See,” drawing attention to the hidden challenges many men face.
While physical fitness and preventative screenings remain foundational elements of men’s health advocacy, the organization used the campaign to broaden the conversation. It emphasized that issues like depression, anxiety, and stigma-driven avoidance of care are critical to address year-round—not only during awareness periods. The Men’s Health Network emphasized empathy as a bridge to recognizing and supporting emotional and psychological struggles that often go unnoticed.
The campaign also framed empathy as a solution to the lifespan gender gap—the six-year difference in average life expectancy between men and women—often caused by preventable conditions and delayed health-seeking behavior among men. MHN and its partners called for widespread involvement from all sectors, including workplaces adopting “Wear Blue Fridays,” families encouraging health conversations, and policymakers prioritizing gender-sensitive funding and research.
To promote action beyond June, MHN distributed a social media toolkit with messages, graphics, and event templates, alongside resources for encouraging local governments to recognize Men’s Health Month officially. Organizations and employers were encouraged to host screenings, mental health workshops, and wellness activities to reinforce the campaign’s messages. These efforts were visible in community-driven initiatives across the U.S. and internationally.
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Even after June ended, events continued in July. In Laredo, Texas, a “Trim the Stigma” event combined haircuts, hepatitis screenings, a job fair, and mental health awareness to reduce stigma and boost confidence among men. In Calexico, California, a panel discussion brought community members together to share stories and explore mental health support for men in underserved regions. Meanwhile, in Southeast Texas, the Gift of Life initiative extended summer health fairs offering prostate cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, and consultations alongside essential support services. These events reflect a broader trend of extending engagement beyond the month of June and embedding the campaign’s ethos into public health strategies.
The campaign’s continued relevance rests on a few pressing realities. Men are nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide, yet are less likely to seek help—a crisis that cannot be addressed in just one month. Delays in preventive care for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and prostate or testicular cancer often lead to worse outcomes, even though these conditions are more treatable when detected early. Additionally, the stigma around men expressing vulnerability remains strong. Achieving lasting change requires sustained empathy and outreach, not just temporary awareness efforts.
The Men’s Health Network’s broader vision includes advocating for policy reforms, employer-driven health initiatives, and grassroots outreach to close both the empathy and lifespan gaps. By framing men’s health as a shared responsibility, they aim to build healthcare systems, workplaces, and communities that are responsive to men’s emotional, physical, and social needs.
As the formal awareness initiatives of June wind down, the message from the Men’s Health Network is clear: to truly support men’s health, empathy must be sustained—and action must continue long after the campaigns end.
