ACOFP Joins White House Dialogue on Men's Health

ACOFP Member Gregory Pecchia, DO, FACOFP represented the osteopathic profession at a White House Dialogue on Men’s Health in partnership with the Men’s Health Network, January 8. 

The pupose of the event was to discuss strategies for improving health outcomes for men. The forum featured a wide array of presenters and attendees, including U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, Michael Botticelli, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and a number of health care providers, men’s health advocates, and representatives from several NFL teams.

Discussion focused on the importance of improving both physical and mental health for men across the age spectrum, using more coordinated, innovative, and personal outreach to get men more engaged in their own health – concepts that are fundamental parts of the osteopathic approach.

ONDCP Director Botticelli noted the importance of having a primary care physician who understands an individual’s needs and background, examining not only a patient’s health or symptoms but also factors like socioeconomic determinants of health and providing culturally-appropriate treatment.

 Noting the longstanding difficulty in connecting men with the health care system, especially the 18-29 year old “young invincibles,” participants shared their successes in reaching male populations in new ways. Many noted the importance of reframing how men perceive their health, with men responding more positively when their health was presented as a matter of providing and caring for their families.

Several NFL teams, including the Green Bay Packers, the Washington Redskins, and the Denver Broncos, have encouraged their male fan bases by launching men’s health initiatives and providing health assessments and physicals at team facilities. Other organizations shared their success in using humor to engage men in conversations about both physical and mental health.

The Men’s Health Network will release a whitepaper this spring on best practices informed by this dialogue and from a growing body of information on men’s health. In the meantime, you can view the forum here.