M.A.R.S.: Male Advocates for Responsible Sexuality
What is M.A.R.S. Behind Bars?
M.A.R.S. stands for Male Advocates for Responsible Sexuality. M.A.R.S. is comprehensive, abstinence-based health education program focused on addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs and concerns of incarcerated males age 13-25.
Recognizing that peers are highly influential during the adolescent years, M.A.R.S. uses a peer-to-peer approach. M.A.R.S. Outreach Workers are college-age and go through extensive training to effectively deliver the M.A.R.S. program to teens and young adults.
Mission
The mission of M.A.R.S. is to support men in taking a responsible role in promoting equality and cooperation in relationships, pregnancy and infection (STI/HIV) prevention, and overcoming stereotypical gender roles.
Goal
The goal of the M.A.R.S. program is to increase male involvement in responsible decision-making regarding sexual health among males. We believe this can be accomplished by helping men learn more about reproductive health in a safe environment from positive role models.
Theory of Reasoned Action
Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, our behaviors result from our intention to perform actions. This theory is a model for looking at behavior, emphasizing the importance of our intention behind our actions. M.A.R.S. uses this theory as a foundation from which to address behavior change. M.A.R.S. aims to engage young adults, and empower them to make healthy, well informed decisions.
Why Focus on Males?
Males have unique reproductive and sexual health needs that historically have not been addressed. Over the past thirty years, on average only 2-4% of the federally funded Title X family planning clinic patients have been males (Department of Health and Human Services, 2003). We believe males need to be treated as individuals. Addressing men's reproductive and sexual health needs benefits more than just the men we reach. It also benefits their partners, friends, and family members. M.A.R.S. is not alone when it comes to the male involvement movement - there are other groups across the nation striving to achieve the same goal. To learn more about other male involvement programs, click on this link: Male Involvement Programs.
- Relationships
- Testicular self-exams
- General questions and concerns regarding sexual health
- Abstinence and other contraception methods
- Information on sexually transmitted infections and how to protect yourself and your partner
M.A.R.S. is Growing!
M.A.R.S. has expanded to Deschutes, Jackson, Marion, and Multnomah Counties!
In 2005, Region X Office of Family Planning Special Projects funds allowed Deschutes and Jackson Counties to offer the M.A.R.S. Program to meet the sexual health needs of males in those counties.
These funds were renewed in July 2006.
In 2007, MARS expanded to Marion and Multnomah counties. These counties will tailor program services to meet the needs of high-risk populations, including young Latinos, urban African American males and incarcerated youth.
The M.A.R.S. program implementation in Deschutes and Jackson Counties is consistent with the founding Benton County.
For additional information about M.A.R.S. in Deschtues, Jackson, Marion and Multnomah Counties, please contact:
Deschutes County Health Department
Rebeckah Berry
M.A.R.S. and STARS Coordinator, Health Educator
541.322.7434
rebeckah_berry@co.deschutes.or.us
Jackson County Health and Human Services
Jane Stevenson
Community Health Educator and M.A.R.S. Program Coordinator
541.774.8021
stevenjs@jacskoncounty.org
Marion County Health Department
Karen Helikson
M.A.R.S. Program Coordinator and HIV Prevention Coordinator
503.361.2659
khelikson@co.marion.or.us
Multnomah County Health Department
Charlene Addy McGee
M.A.R.S. Program Coordinator, Health Educator
503.988.3030
charlene.a.mcgee@co.multnomah.or.us
List of Other Male Involvement Programs
Wise Guys (Greensboro, NC)
Young Men's Clinic (New York, NY)
Bienvenidos Children Center, Inc (Los Angeles, CA)