1. Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) program aims to raise the veteran community’s awareness of men’s health issues and encourages men to manage their own health and wellbeing. The program trains volunteers for all aged groups to provide health information to members of the veteran community.

2. Response to Vietnam Veterans Health Study (1997). Study found Vietnam Veterans experience higher incidence of certain health conditions. Tasmanian pilot program in 1999.

3. Men’s Health Male life expectancy is less than women. Men die in greater numbers than women from almost every non-sex- specific health problem in every age group under 65 years of age. 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 in Australia. Men account for three out of four suicides in Australia. Every hour, more than four men die from potentially preventable conditions in Australia. Men are twice as likely to be overweight or obese than women. More men have diabetes than women. Men are more likely to smoke than women. In Australia more money is spent on the healthcare needs of women and children, and the healthcare system reflects this. Men are less likely to seek help or talk about a health issues.

4. Volunteers Must attend training. Must agree to the Volunteer Agreement/Code of Conduct. Decide their own time commitment. The range of ways to spread the word on men’s health is quite diverse. How the volunteer chooses to do this is up to their own personal style and what they feel most comfortable doing.

5. Laurie Harrison - Volunteer State Representative. Role of Volunteer Representative. Personal examples of MHPE work. Personal benefits of volunteering.

6. Questions?