Health educators provide one-on-one and group education and counseling sessions to promote family planning and reproductive health. The programs offered include:

• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Childbirth Classes
• Family Planning/ Contraception/Sexuality Education
• Male Involvement
• The Male's Place
• STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention Education and Outreach

Child Abuse and Neglect Program

Overview: prevention education program designed to increase 4th grader's awareness of child abuse and neglect. Includes instructions on what constitutes child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, and how to get help.

Eligibility: 4th graders in Mecklenburg County

For more information: Contact Susan Jones, M.P.H., Health Educator, 336-8818.

Childbirth Classes

The Health Department is not currently conducting a childbirth education series. Please contact your local hospital for information on local classes. 

Family Planning/Contraception/Sexuality Education Program

Overview: provides clinic, school and community-based education, prevention education and training to increase knowledge of methods of contraception and to promote sexual abstinence, positive decision-making, positive self-esteem, responsible sexuality, and reduction of unintended pregnancies.

Eligibility: All Mecklenburg County residents.

For more information: Contact Barbara Bishopric McNinch, M.Ed., C.H.E.S., Health Educator, 704-336-2034 and Reggie Singleton, B.A., Health Educator, 704-336-6423. 

Additional Health Department services:

• Family Planning Clinic - counseling and Education Services and exam/clinical services.
• Maternity Care Coordination -  assessment and referral service for medicaid eligible pregnant women to community resources to promote a healthy birth outcome.

Male Involvement Program

Overview: Health promotion program designed to prevent unintended pregnancy by promoting responsible decision making and behavior among adult males 17 to 29 years old. Program offers community-based sessions on methods of contraception, HIV/AIDS/STDs, domestic violence, self-esteem, healthy relationships and other topics.

Eligibility: Adult males in Mecklenburg County 17 to 29 years old.

For more information: Contact Keith Cradle, M.H.A., Program Director, 704-336-5337 or Adrian Glover, Community Outreach, 704-432-4272. 

The Male's Place

Overview: provides human sexuality education services to pre-teen and adolescent males. Workshops and seminars on such topics as abstinence, responsible sexuality, growth and development, self-esteem, decision making, sexually transmitted disease and contraceptive services are provided in clinics, schools and community-based settings. Sessions are conducted on a one-to-one or small group basis.

Eligibility: pre-teen and adolescent males in Mecklenburg County

For more information: Visit webpage or contact Reggie Singleton, B.A., Health Educator.

STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention Education and Outreach Program

Overview: implements community-based prevention education activities designed to reduce risk behaviors for HIV infection, AIDS and sexually transmitted disease. Program targets substance abusers, minorities, women, teenagers, men who have sex with men, heterosexuals, other at-risk groups and the community at-large. Conducts risk reduction education sessions and presentations at area drug treatment centers, homeless shelters, jails, schools, churches, recreation centers, civic organizations, professional organizations and other community organizations.

Eligibility: Mecklenburg County groups and organizations

For more information:  Staffed by Health Educators and Community Outreach Workers. Brian Witt, MPH, Health Educator, 704-336-7217; Community Outreach Worker- Geoffrey Jordan, 704-336-8501.

Additional Health Department services:

• Clinical Services - offers counseling and treatment services.
• Communicable Disease Control - provides investigation, development and implementation of preventive and control measures, and education of eportable communicable diseases.
• HIV/AIDS Information, Case Management, and Education