Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Men's Health Month and Men's Health Week

WHEREAS, Men's Health Month is part of a broader international initiative dedicated to educating men, boys, and their families on the critical importance of preventive health screenings, early detection, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, throughout the United States, men have a life expectancy that is approximately six years shorter than that of women and experience disproportionately higher rates of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and premature mortality; and

WHEREAS, Men's Health Month provides an important opportunity to recognize and address the unique mental and physical health needs of men and boys, while encouraging fathers and caregivers to serve as positive role models by promoting preventive care, healthy lifestyles, and proactive help-seeking behaviors; and

WHEREAS, the rising epidemic of "deaths of despair," including suicide, substance use disorders, alcohol misuse, and homelessness, underscores the urgent need to raise awareness of unrecognized and undiagnosed mental and emotional distress among boys and men; and

WHEREAS, a central observance of Men's Health Month is National Men's Health Week, an awareness period established by Congress and signed into law on May 31, 1994, and recognized annually through the efforts of Men's Health Network to promote understanding and awareness of the unique health needs of men and boys;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 2026, as MEN'S HEALTH MONTH and June 15-21, 2026, as MEN'S HEALTH WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.