NE MS Healthy Start Consortium

Why Paternity Leave Matters for Men’s Health

Mental Health: Research highlights that short or unpaid paternity leave new dads vulnerable to exhaustion, anxiety, and a feeling of disconnect from their families.

Physical Well-Being: Fathers who take extended, dedicated parental leave report lower stress levels, engage in healthier lifestyle habits, and utilize preventative health care more frequently.

Equitable Workplaces: When men take leave, it breaks traditional workplace stigmas and enables mothers to return to work sooner, boosting career trajectories and gender equality.



Mississippi State Department of Health

Men’s Health Week highlights the need to extend health and wellness support to new fathers, who often face high rates of stress and postpartum depression. While maternity leave is universally prioritized, advocacy campaigns are pushing for better paternity leave to ensure fathers have vital time to bond with their children and look after their own mental and physical well-being.



Mississippi State Department of Health

Most CMV infections show no symptoms, yet CMV can have lifelong impacts when passed to an unborn during pregnancy.

Understanding the basics is a powerful first step toward reducing risk, early identification, and support. This CMV awareness month, save this post or share it with someone who might not have heard of CMV before. Plus, learn more about this common infection at www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness

DON'T MISS our upcoming events:
-OXFORD Community Health Fair
-TOWN HALL/PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY - COLUMBUS, MS
-MOM/INFANT SLEEP WELLNESS EVENT - West Point MS
-WORKSHOP/PEARL, MS - Statewide Fetal & Infant Mortality Review

Mississippi State Department of Health Ray Shoemaker