![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Men-toned-1100x825.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
From left, Anthony M., Liam H., Sierra M. and Aniah C., members of the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg, will host a Men’s Mental Health Fair from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Mary Street Clubhouse.
\n(Photo provided)<\/p>\n
PARKERSBURG \u2014 Youth participants in the Student Summit are addressing men\u2019s mental health and will host a fair Friday at Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg.<\/p>\n
The summit is a leadership and advocacy program hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of America.<\/p>\n
Four club teens chose men\u2019s health as the topic for their advocacy project they will present at a week-long event in Washington, D.C., later this month. The Student Summit provides youth with the tools and platform to become leaders and advocates for meaningful change.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Student Summit focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding men\u2019s mental health and encouraging open and honest dialogue about emotional well-being. The student-led initiative challenges stereotypes and promotes a culture where men are encouraged to seek help without fear of judgment.<\/p>\n
The Men\u2019s Mental Health Fair will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Mary Street clubhouse. Door prizes, refreshments, mental health professionals, a therapy dog and mental health assessments will be available.<\/p>\n
The goal is to change the conversation around men\u2019s mental health, a release from the hosting members Liam H., Anthony M., Sierra M. and Aniah C. said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want men to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should have to face their struggles alone,\u201d the release said.<\/p>\n
Through the advocacy project, the club educates the community, fosters open discussions about mental health and promotes the understanding that mental wellness is essential for everyone.<\/p>\n
Mental health affects all genders, but men can face different barriers to seeking support. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. men experienced a mental illness in 2022 and men are less likely than women to receive mental health treatment.<\/p>\n
Men are about half of the U.S. population and account for about 80% of suicide deaths. In 2023, the suicide rate among men was nearly four times that of women, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHARLESTON \u2013 As multiple local and state emergency responders work to keep a fire at the Peoples Cartage facility …<\/p>\n