National Health Leaders Engage in a Different Type of a Dialogue - A Dialogue on Men's Health

WASHINGTON, DC, April 14, 2013 (Press-News.org) A Dialogue on Men's Health, organized by the Men's Health Braintrust, engaged national patient and provider health leaders in a revealing discussion on the focus, progress and barriers in improving the health and wellbeing of men and boys in America.

The meeting, which took place in Washington DC on April 3, attracted over 40 representatives of patient organizations, healthcare provider associations, employers, key policymakers, and community organizations. Speakers and participants explored the social, environmental, and individual determinants that influence the health of American males; they shared their success stories in reaching this segment of the population and went over some of the challenges faced.

"The great thing about the Dialogue meeting is the opportunity of coming together as both health care providers and patient groups," said Richard Allen Williams, MD, FACC, Founder, Association of Black Cardiologists. "As a providers group, we are better able to align our goals and perspectives with those of patient groups, such as Men's Health Network, and by building these bridges patients are the beneficiaries of better messaging and outreach efforts."

Featured speakers included Janet Wright, MD, FACC, Executive Director, Million Hearts Initiative, US Department of Health and Human Services; Marc Wetherhorn, Senior Director, Advocacy and Civic Engagement, National Association of Community Health Centers; and Dr. Joyce Pulcini, Professor Director, MSN Program and Community & Global Initiatives, The George Washington University School of Nursing.

"Half of the men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no symptoms," said Wright. "Million Hearts is pleased to work with Men's Health Network to help ensure men take steps to protect their hearts so they can be there for their families."

"If we are to effectively serve men and boys, we need to critically look at our education system and implement preventive health care from early ages using the services of all health care providers to reach this goal," said Pulcini.

The April Dialogue meeting was one in a series which started in October 2012. That meeting resulted in the publication of a position paper, A Framework for Advancing the Overall Health and Wellness of America's Boys and Men, which can be accessed and downloaded freely at www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/Dialogue1.pdf.

The Dialogue on Men's Health series of national discussions explore how to improve the health and well being of men, boys, and their families. The Dialogue series convenes in Washington, DC and is hosted by the Men's Health Braintrust which consists of representatives from over 50 agencies and organizations. Men's Health Network (MHN), a member of the Braintrust, organizes the meetings. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork