Public Health – Adolescent Sexual Health

         What is MARS Behind Bars?

The MARS program is a ground breaking, peer-to-peer health education program designed to reach young, imprisoned males with important sexual and reproductive health information through outreach, classroom, and clinic-based education and counseling services.

MARS is recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for its effectiveness in addressing the reproductive and sexual health needs of young men.  In March 2008, MARS was selected as a finalist in the global "Changemakers" competition, sponsored in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for outstanding innovation, social impact, and sustainability in helping young men at risk.

The mission of MARS is to support men in taking a responsible role in promoting equality and cooperation in relationships, pregnancy, and infection prevention and in overcoming stereotypical gender roles.

Our Goals

The goals of MARS are to increase involvement in responsible decision-making regarding sexual health and to increase use of clinical sexual health services among young males, ultimately reducing rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

MARS achieves these goals through two program components, including:

• Health Education Outreach - MARS Outreach Workers conduct outreach and education in classroom settings.

• Clinical Educational Sessions - MARS Outreach Workers provide individual sexual health counseling sessions to young males.

          MARS Educational Outreach

MARS offers a complete sexual health program that meets the National Health Education Standards for high school aged students.  The MARS program also meets the Age-Appropriate Sexuality Education Topic Guidelines, which are published by Oregon's Department of Education

What sets MARS apart from other sexual health education curriculums?

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The MARS Program is funded by the Oregon Department of Education..