On October 18, 2012 Dialogue on Men's Health was  hosted in Washington, DC. This conference is a first step toward breaking down barriers and starting a national discussion to improve the health and well being of men, boys, and their families. The event brought together patient organizations, healthcare provider associations, employers, government agency stakeholders, key policymakers, community organizations, faith-based networks, and others to initiate a national dialogue.  

This is the first in a series of dialogues that explored the health and well being of boys and men and the effects that has on their families. Speakers and participants explored the social, environmental, and individual determinants that influence the health of American males. Health topics such as atrial fibrillation and heart health, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory health, diabetes, oncology, and more were addressed. Other important topics  included the current men's health landscape and the influence of parents as role models on children's health and well being. Participants  shared best practices in community outreach and ways to improve health messaging for men.

Featured speakers  included Jean Bonhomme, MD, MPH, President of the National Black Men's Health Network and Assistant Professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine, Francisco Semiao, MS, MPH, Senior Director of Corporate/Foundation Relations at MedStar Health, and Cara V. James, PhD, Director of the Office of Minority Health at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Dialogue was cosponsored by Men's Health Network, the Men's Health Caucus in official relations with the American Public Health Association, Boy Scouts of America, Association of Black Cardiologists, Boehringer Ingelheim, Veteran's Health Council, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, American Osteopathic Association, Men's Health Alliance and Health HIV.

About Men's Health Network

Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork.