Body And Soul Project

Adolescent Sexually-Transmitted Disease (STD) Infection – In the City of St. Louis, approximately 31% of STD cases are among teenagers between the ages of 12 -18, most of whom are African American (of known race).

In 2008, the Health Department created The Body and Soul Project: an STD Education Workshop for St. Louis Teens. This unique program emphasizes the benefits of abstinence, and warns teens about the risks associated with risky sexual behavior, encouraging the use of condoms as an absolute MUST!

All Body and Soul programs provide information by trained professionals in a responsible, yet exciting atmosphere. All events are free and incentives typically include free t-shirts, free STD testing, free lunch, prizes and participation by local celebrity guests. Parent classes are also offered. With the help of partners including (but not limited to) the Youth Empowerment Services Program, St. Louis Community College – Forest Park, Planned Parenthood St. Louis Region, and Washington University’s The Spot and Project ARK, thousands of teens have been educated and tested within the community. Programs have taken place at 12th and Park Recreation Center, St. Louis Public high schools, Imagine Academy, Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, Mt. Calvary Church, and more than 15 city parks for the summer “Stop the Violence” Tour. In May of 2009, we teamed with a local radio station to host a Body and Soul teen health radio show.