2010 Survey of State Public Health Department Resources for Men and Boys: Second Semi-Annual Survey Results

State Public Health Departments (SPHDs) provide an important administrative framework to access health information, outreach and services for the communities they serve. SPHDs also establish and utilize these administrative platforms to frame, develop, implement and assess public policy to advance the health of various populations. An essential component to the process of developing strategic and forward looking policy is the assessment of such activities and analysis of how SPHD programs and services evolve to meet administrative platforms. Providing services targeted to enhancing the health of men and boys is a component of a well balanced approach to population health care. The Men's Health Network completed a benchmarking survey study of such services in 2008 and has repeated that survey in 2010. The purpose of these surveys is to characterize the range and nature of existing state level and directed services and to chronicle changes in the nature of these services over time. These surveys will be conducted on a semi-annual basis. The 2010 survey updates results of the benchmarking survey of 2008 and provides new information on the range of services offered. Validated data were received from 48 states and the District of Columbia. Analysis of the data continues to show that few states have population specific information for men and boys but some advances in access, content relevance and depth have been made. These results are used in conjunction with national targets set in the Healthy People 2020to provide an administrative framework for public health initiatives, policy and funding.