M.A.R.S. Clinical Education Appointments
Overview 
Young men who schedule and attend a M.A.R.S. appointment will receive up to $50 in Fred Meyer Gift Cards*
*$20 for initial appointment and $10 for completing each of three follow-up surveys.
M.A.R.S. offers an opportunity for males to attend a free, confidential sexual health education appointment at a number of locations throughout Benton, Deschutes, Marion, Multnomah, and Jackson Counties. To find a location near you, click on Contact Us.
The M.A.R.S. appointment is an opportunity for males to speak individually with a M.A.R.S. Outreach Worker, and in a safe and confidential environment. During this 40-50 minute appointment, guys can ask any questions they may have regarding issues of sexuality, relationships, sexual or reproductive health, or general health questions. Topics which are commonly discussed include:
- Relationships and communication techniques
- Sexual performance
- Testicular health and self-exams
- Sexual health assessment
- Abstinence and contraceptive methods
- Prevention of sexually transmitted infection
If you or someone you know would like to schedule a M.A.R.S. appointment Contact Us.
M.A.R.S. Appointment Results
In the first four years under the U.S. Office of Polulation Affairs male-involvement grant, M.A.R.S. provided services to over 19,000 young people in Benton, Deschutes and Jackson Counties. Of these, over 646 males have attended a M.A.R.S. individual clinic consultation.
Over 90% of the guys age 13-25 who participated in a M.A.R.S. individual clinic session said this was their first sexual health appointment.
Over 93% of M.A.R.S. clients were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their visit.
Almost 98% of M.A.R.S. clients would recommend M.A.R.S. to a friend.
Evaluation of intake surveys versus one-month follow-up surveys show there is a statistically significant increase in the following for M.A.R.S. clinical education session participants:
- Frequency talking with a partner about healthy relationships and reproductive health
- Comfort talking with a partner about healthy relationships and reproductive health
- Sexual Health knowledge (STIs and birth control)
- Attitudes toward birth control
- Attitudes toward gender roles and contraceptive use
- Attitudes toward condoms
- Attitudes toward the benefits of abstinence
- Confidence in the ability to use condoms correctly
- Confidence to buy condoms
Testimonies From Clinical Education Session Participants
In this section, we share with you real testimonies from people who have participated in M.A.R.S. one-on-one Clinical Education Sessions. These comments were compiled from participants during one month follow-up phone call surveys.
What did you like about the M.A.R.S. appointment?
"The M.A.R.S. appointment helped a lot, helped me get my life back on the right track, what he [M.A.R.S. Outreach Worker] taught me was amazing and has changed my life, and my perspectives of other people."
"It was nice to be able to talk in a non-intimidating atmosphere."
"Real people who treated me like a real person not a test subject."
"I liked just being able to ask questions about topics I was curious about by knowledgeable people and I liked getting free condoms."
"I liked being able to ask questions and get answers."
"You can be open, no one makes fun of you."
"The one-on-one was educational, good detail, better than school and relaxing."
"All the information was good, like the STD stuff."
Why do you think guys your age don't go in for sexual health appointments?
"Because they think they know it all."
"They are scared of going to make an appointment, they might hear something they don't like."
"Embarrassment."
"Men don't worry about it."
"Don't think it's their responsibility."
"Afraid, not cool."
"Too macho, don't think it's their responsibility people think it's easier than it is. Too tough."
"Not norm for society."
"Awkwardness, pride."
"Too cool, don't want to."
Given your experience with a M.A.R.S. appointment, would you recommend it to a friend?
"Yes, some people don't have people/role models/peers for advice."
"Yes, it is comfortable, laid back, non-judgmental."
"Yes, everyone should know this stuff; people think they know, but they don't."
"Yes, they'll get valuable information, free condoms, $20 gift certificate."
"Yes, some of my friends are involved in activities that this goes over."
"Yes, because it is one-on-one, private, and you get the freedom to ask questions and not be embarrassed."
"Yes, I think this should be experienced, you should go even if you think you know everything, good to reaffirm what you know."
"Yes, it's surprising that I found out things I didn't know. I got a lot of good information."
"Yes, it was very helpful, and confirmed what I already knew."