Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

ENROLLED ORIGINAL

                               A CEREMONAL RESOLUTION

                                             25-239

                     IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                                          June 11, 2024

To recognize June as Men’s Health Month and promote public awareness around men’s

       health issues.

        WHEREAS, Men’s Health Month is part of an ongoing international effort to educate

men, boys, and their families about receiving regular disease prevention screening and living

healthier lifestyles;

       WHEREAS, Men’s Health Month began in 1994 with the Congressional passage of

Men’s Health Week June 10th – 14th, sponsored by Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Bill

Richardson;

      WHEREAS, the National Men’s Health Week bill was signed by President Clinton and

became public law on May 31, 1994;

      WHEREAS, thousands of organizations across the globe participate in Men’s Health

Month, promoting the health and wellness of men, boys, fathers, and their families;

       WHEREAS, the Men’s Health Network sponsors health awareness fairs and events on

Capitol Hill that are attended by hundreds of lawmakers and staff;

       WHEREAS, nationwide, life expectancy for men averages five years fewer than women,

with men experiencing higher rates of health problems such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart

disease, and premature mortality;

       WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on men’s health in the

United States, dropping men’s life expectancy by two years according to a study by Oxford

University;

         WHEREAS, the growing epidemic of suicide and substance abuse requires concerted

effort to raise awareness of unrecognized and undiagnosed depression and mental stress in men

and boys;

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                                                                       ENROLLED ORIGINAL

       WHEREAS, Men’s Health Month is a time for the public to recognize the mental and

physical health needs of men and boys while encouraging fathers to be role models for their

children through preventative health screenings, healthy living and seeking needed help; and

        WHEREAS, “Wear Blue Day” will be recognized on June 14, 2024 to support men’s

health awareness.

        RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this

resolution may be cited as the “Men’s Health Month Recognition Resolution of 2024”.

       Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the month of June as Men’s

Health Month.

       Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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