A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH WITHIN THE Department of Health and Human Services THE OFFICE OF MEN'S HEALTH.
Whereas, a silent health crisis is affecting the health and well‑being of America's men; and
Whereas, while this health crisis is of particular concern to men, it is also a concern for women regarding the health of their fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers; and
Whereas, men's health is a concern for employers who pay the costs of medical care and lose productive employees; and
Whereas, men's health is a concern to federal and state governments, which absorb the enormous costs of premature death and disability, including the costs of caring for dependents left behind; and
Whereas, appropriate use of tests such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) exams, and blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with clinical exams and self‑testing, can result in the early detection of many problems and in increased survival rates; and
Whereas, educating men, their families, and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems can result in reducing rates of mortality for male‑specific diseases, as well as improve the health of America's men and America's overall economic well‑being; and
Whereas, recent scientific studies have shown that regular medical exams, preventive screenings, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits can help save lives; and
Whereas, establishing an Office of Men's Health is needed to investigate these scientific study findings and take such further actions as  may be needed to promote men's health; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 130A of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new Article to read:
"Article 5A.
"Men's Health.
"§ 130A‑131.26. Office of Men's Health established.
(a)	There is established in the Department the Office of Men's Health. The purpose of the office is to expand the State's public health concerns and focus to include a comprehensive outlook on the overall health status of men. The primary goals of the Office shall be the prevention of disease and improvement in the quality of life for men over their entire lifespan. The Department shall develop strategies for achieving these goals which shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)	Developing a strategic plan to improve public services and programs targeting men;
(2)	Conducting policy analyses on specific issues related to men's health;
(3)	Facilitating communication among the Department's programs and between the Department and external men's health groups and community‑based organizations;
(4)	Building public health awareness and capacity regarding men's health issues by providing a series of services including evaluation, recommendation, technical assistance, and training; and
(5)	Developing initiatives for modification or expansion of health services oriented towards men's health issues with the intent of establishing meaningful public/private partnerships in the future.
(b)	The Office shall study the feasibility of establishing initiatives for:
(1)	Early intervention services for men infected with HIV; and
(2)	Outreach, treatment, and follow‑up services to men at high risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
In conducting the study, the Department shall take into consideration related services already in place in the Department and at the local level."
SECTION 2.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall use funds available for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years to implement this act.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.