Where We Started

Young people in rural counties experience a range of health disparities. That’s because rural communities often face challenges that make it harder to access quality sexual and reproductive health care and education, such as the distance required to travel to see a healthcare provider, the lack of public transportation, higher poverty rates, and lower rates of insurance coverage.

True You Maryland prioritized its partners by determining the areas of greatest need in the state.

True You Maryland aims to achieve a…

• 15% reduction in Maryland rural county birth rates; and a
• 10% reduction in Maryland rural county youth STI rates.

What It Is

True You Maryland brings together partners in six rural Maryland counties—Allegany, Washington, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester. Together, we’re working to advance the sexual health and well-being of youth here at home.

Real change takes all of us. In each county, young people work alongside parents, teachers, nurses, counselors, researchers, and community leaders to ensure their generation has the very best in sexuality education and care—no matter who they are or where they live.

Why It Matters

Decades of research confirms it: sex education works. It helps young people guard against abuse, build healthy relationships, and care for their bodies and futures.

That’s why True You partners are bringing proven programs into classrooms, clinics, and communities across rural Maryland. These programs open the door to honest conversations with parents and other trusted adults, and ensure young people have the accurate, age-appropriate information they need make informed choices—and grow up with confidence.

What We Found

Did you know parents and adolescents support sex ed in schools regardless of their political affiliation?

In one 2017 study, 93% of parents reported supporting sexuality education in schools.

In one 2017 study, 93% of parents reported supporting sexuality education in schools. And the vast majority wanted classes to cover puberty, healthy relationships, abstinence, sexually transmitted infections, and birth control. These are the topics True You Maryland champions.

Learn More

Our Experts