Organizations aim to transform how men in Puerto Rico care for their emotional health

A public health initiative led by experts is creating new spaces for conversation and reflection on how men process their emotions. The nonprofit organization Grupo Nexos, together with its programs Puerto Rico en Óptima Salud (PROSa) and Comienzo Saludable, has launched the campaign “Los Hombres También” to challenge stereotypes and promote a broader understanding of men’s emotional health.

“Talking about men’s emotional health is essential to building healthier communities and relationships grounded in empathy. With this initiative, we aim to create spaces where men can speak openly, feel supported, and find help,” said Dr. Marizaida Sánchez-Cesáreo, community clinical psychologist and Executive President of Grupo Nexos.

Men’s emotional health continues to be an overlooked issue, burdened by stigma and prejudice. According to public health data:

• Six out of ten young men report not having an emotional support network to help them cope with stress or everyday challenges.
• In Puerto Rico, men account for more than 85% of violent deaths and have a suicide rate eight times higher than that of women.

“This reality underscores the urgent need to provide tools that help men in Puerto Rico take care of their emotional well-being. Addressing this need contributes to overall social wellness. Through this campaign, we invite both reflection and action — for more men to take the step toward self-care, to speak up, and to support one another with the right tools,” said Ismael Rosario-Pérez, social-community psychologist and leader of training and technical assistance for PROSa.

The initiative offers digital resources and practical guides to foster self-care and emotional well-being. These resources are freely available at www.loshombresTAMBIEN.com. All materials were informed using evidence-based practices and public health data.

The campaign brings together a network of collaborators recognized for their commitment to mental health and wellness, including Grupo Nexos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to applied research and the implementation of evidence-based practices through its programs: PROSa, which promotes holistic health among adolescents, and Comienzo Saludable, which supports families in preparing for parenthood. The campaign content was developed with the help of Dr. Sonia Cepeda, a psychologist specializing in emotional regulation, and Masculinidad98, a collective that promotes reflection on masculine identities. Public figures such as Víctor Santiago, Carlos José Torres, Alejandro Vázquez, and Emmanuel Irizarry, among others, are also supporting the initiative.