Male Health Project
The YFS Male Health Project is a boys' health advocacy program that focuses on developmentally-appropriate sexuality education, to help the boys develop an understanding of their sexuality and related health issues, to have access to health care services, and to reduce risky behavior. To aid in prevention, the project has partnered with the YFS Western Prevention Resource Center. The Male Health Project addresses the problems of teen pregnancy, school dropouts, peer pressure, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse and the lack of adequate role models for young men. There are four components:
- Health Advocacy, for males ages 5 to 16 who are at high risk of developing physical, mental and social health problems. Boys are referred by school counselors, teachers, parents, health and social service agencies.
- Wise Guys, a seven-week, interactive course promoting a positive self-image for males ages 14 to 18.
- Good Fellas, a mentoring program for boys ages 8 to 16.
- Think About It, a pregnancy prevention program for boys in sixth through ninth grade.
Highlights
Last year, the Male Health Project served 99 boys in its extensive health advocacy program. The “Wise Guys” life-skills education sessions reached 1,176 youth this year.
Currently, the project staff are developing a website for the community, called MensHealthGuide.org. This website will provide education and health resources to all men the the Black Hills region.
Independent evaluations of the project have indicated remarkable success as a part of the YFS Counseling Center services.
