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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUNE AS NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH MONTH
WHEREAS, the month of June recognizes, that despite advances in medical technology and research, men in Cook County and across the nation continue to live on average five years less than women; with African-American and Native American men having the lowest life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is home to 2.5 million men that represent rich and diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to both the region and the nation as a whole. It is imperative that all men who live in our area are educated about the value of preventive health, participate in health screenings, and model healthy choices for their families; and
WHEREAS, fathers who maintain a healthy lifestyle serve as role models for their children and have happier, healthier children, and families as a result; and
WHEREAS, the Men’s Health Network worked with Congress to develop a national men’s health awareness campaign in order to educate men, boys, and their families about the importance of positive health attitudes and preventive health practices; and
WHEREAS, National Men’s Health Month encourages men to adopt healthier lifestyles and promote screening and testing for a range of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health, and prostate, testicular, and colon cancer; and
WHEREAS, increasing the awareness of a healthy lifestyle, maintain consistent physical exercise, and regular medical checkups can reduce the rate of mortality amongst all men in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of the virus has severely impacted communities of color across Chicago and Cook County. African-American and Latino communities have tested positive and died from COVID-19 than any other ethnic group. It is critical that an emphasis on the health of African-American and Latino men are addressed during this time to slow the spread of this virus within these populations; and
WHEREAS, now, more than ever, campaigns such as National Men’s Health Month is vital to ensure that all men in Cook County take care of their physical, mental, and emotional health in these challenging and evolving economic, health, and societal times; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County does hereby declare June as Men’s Health Month in Cook County and encourages all male residents to pursue preventive health practices and early detection efforts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body in recognition as National Men’s Health Month in Cook County.
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