http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,1997483.story

Group wants to create Office of Men's Health
By Bruce Japsen | Tribune staff reporter
May 28, 2009
Congress has established the Office on Women's Health and the Office of
Minority Health. Now an advocacy group is pushing legislation, backed by
major employers and insurers, that would create the Office of Men's Health.

Supporters say an office would have a dedicated director with a bully pulpit
for outreach and a staff working as a clearinghouse for studies and
education about wellness for men.These supporters cite statistics showing
that men lead in several key causes of death like heart disease and
diabetes. And men are less likely than women to seek primary and preventive
medical care.

Such habits can cost the health-care system more money.

"If men are not going to take ownership of their health, we need to go reach
them where they live, work, play and pray," said Scott T. Williams, vice
president of Washington-based Men's Health Network. "Women are 100 percent
more likely to [practice] preventive health care than men. There is really
the lack of education."



Among those that have supported efforts of the Men's Health Network have
been Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Co. and Chicago-based Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association, a health insurance lobby.

The association has not taken an official stand on whether an Office of
Men's Health should be created. But the group is "certainly supportive of
their goals to raise awareness and improve men's health through educational
initiatives, health screenings and patient advocacy programs," said Paul
Cholette, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association spokesman.

So far, a five-year effort by the Men's Health Network has yet to achieve
its goal. Some observers say Congress might be unwilling to create the
appearance of more bureaucracy and fund new programs amid the tough economy.

But the legislation this year has bipartisan support in the U.S. House and
Senate and may be tacked onto health reform bills expected to wend their way
through Congress this year.

Williams said supporters are not asking for new appropriation from Congress.
Rather, a director and staff for the Office of Men's Health would come from
existing Department of Health and Human Services staffers. After two years,
the office would be evaluated by Congress to see where it should head in the
future.