By Bob Katzen

The Senate referred to the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery a late-filed bill that would create a vehicle for the state to raise awareness of the existence of the MassMen Initiative that promotes wellness and empowers working-age men across the Bay State to take action to feel better emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The proposal would require state agencies that serve men with a higher risk of mental health conditions or suicide to display resources and communicate best practices derived from the MassMen Program internally. The bill further calls for a public relations campaign subject to budget appropriations.

Supporters said that many men struggle to maintain mental wellbeing and noted the MassMen initiative is a way for men to get connected to resources, so they don’t have to struggle alone.

“For too long, policy leaders have neglected the fact that men in America need help,” said sponsor Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “Men represent 80 percent of suicide deaths, 70 percent of drug overdose deaths, and live, on average, five years less than women — a gap that is widening in large part due to untreated mental health and substance use crises. This legislation breaks down barriers to healthcare resources for men and helps expand access to care for this hidden epidemic that deserves urgent attention.”