Men’s health remains a critical yet often under-recognized area of national health policy. This article details the strategic submission of a men’s health policy proposal to the American Nurses Association (ANA), illustrating how nursing professionals can drive equitable healthcare initiatives for men. By aligning the proposal with ANA’s policy development framework, this case study underscores the vital role of the nursing profession in shaping health outcomes through evidence-based advocacy.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) Policy Proposal Process
According to the Membership Assembly Policy Development Guide (2025), the ANA’s policy submission process comprises multiple stages:
- Identifying the Issue – Ensuring it is of national importance and aligns with ANA’s strategic priorities.
- Proposal Submission – Submitting a comprehensive plan through official ANA channels with sufficient background and rationale.
- Review and Refinement – The ANA Professional Policy Committee evaluates the submission, offering recommendations for modifications if necessary.
- Dialogue Forums and Membership Assembly Review – Accepted proposals undergo discussion in the Membership Assembly to generate robust recommendations.
- Final Decision and Implementation – If adopted, the ANA Board of Directors determines the specific actions required for policy implementation.
Case Study: The American Nurses Association (ANA) Policy Proposal on Men’s Health
A multidisciplinary task force from the state nursing associations of New Jersey, Indiana, and Alabama collaborated to address men’s disproportionately high mortality rates. The policy includes targeted interventions to:
- Enhance Educational Curricula: Expand nursing programs to cover men’s health screenings, mental health awareness, and culturally sensitive care strategies.
- Increase Public Outreach and Awareness: Promote community-based programs that engage men in preventative health measures.
- Strengthen Legislative Advocacy: Encourage lawmakers to support budget allocations for men’s health research, particularly in underrepresented or high-risk populations.
Drawing on the ANA Enterprise 2023–2025 Strategic Plan (2024), the proposal cites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, emphasizing the urgency of health equity and the pivotal role of nursing in addressing social determinants of health.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite meeting ANA’s submission criteria, the proposal team encountered obstacles that highlight broader issues in men’s health advocacy:
- Limited Historical Focus: Nursing policies have historically prioritized women’s health, leaving a gap in men’s health literature and programmatic efforts.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Gaining widespread member support required consistent dialogue, education on men’s health disparities, and alignment with clinical and legislative priorities.
- Feasibility and Implementation: Translating recommendations into action demanded coordination with nurse educators, policymakers, and community leaders. Virtual meetings (Zoom™) and coordinated emails helped streamline communication.
Impact on Nursing Practice and Policy
Adopting this men’s health policy reflects a commitment to inclusive healthcare within the ANA framework, underscoring the nursing profession’s role in advancing health equity through evidence-based policy. Successful implementation could lead to:
- Enhanced nursing curricula and advocacy, addressing men’s health disparities.
- Increased public awareness and outreach programs focused on preventive healthcare for men.
Conclusion
The ANA policy proposal submission process is an impactful mechanism for addressing national health concerns. This case study provides valuable insights into the role of nursing professionals in shaping health policies at the national level.
Authors
Carlos Serrano, MS, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE Assistant Professor
Passaic County Community College Department of Nurse Education
Passaic, NJ
cserrano2@pccc.edu
Julian L. Gallegos, PhD, MBA, FNP-BC, CNL, CMHE, FAUNA
Clinical Associate Professor
Interim Assistant Head of Graduate
Programs
Director, DNP Program
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for Family Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine and School of Nursing
West Lafayette, IN
jlgalleg@purdue.edu
Curry Bordelon, DNP, MBA, CRNP, CNE, ANEF, FNAP
Associate Professor
Interim Department Chair
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
Birmingham, AL
cjborde@uab.edu
Ruth Antwi, DNP, AGPCNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner/Nursing Instructor
ruthantwi001@gmail.com
Corresponding Author:
Carlos Serrano
cserrano2@pccc.edu
Disclosures: Authors indicate no disclosures
References
American Nurses Association. (2025). Membership Assembly Policy Development Guide. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.nursingworld.org/globalassets/ana/leadership–governance/guide-ma-policy-development-guide-2025.pdf
American Nurses Association. (2024). ANA Enterprise 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.nursingworld.org/ana-enterprise/about-us/anae-strategic-plan-2023-2025
