Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Albuquerque Journal (12.16.06) - Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Juan-Carlos Rodriguez
At Conrad Padilla's barber shop on Coors N.W., MIP Program Director Francisco Ronquillo recently presented a 45-minute sex education seminar on how to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy to about 15 boys and men getting haircuts.
"I don't really know any 15-year-olds that can take care of themselves, let alone a kid," said Padilla. "I think it's a necessary evil to let these kids know what they're doing. Five minutes of fun can change your whole life."
"Teen pregnancy is a huge concern in New Mexico," said Ronquillo. "If we compare the state to the other states in the nation, we're third-highest." Presentations traverse topics from how to use condoms, types of STDs, and why abstinence is best until a male is ready to handle sexual activity. Ronquillo has conducted eight talks so far.
Since its April 2003 launch, MIP's objective has been educating males about safe-sex practices and letting them know how many males come to the clinic for its services, said Ronquillo. MIP is run from the Alamosa Multipurpose Center at the state Health Department.
The southwest part of Bernalillo County has higher than average rates of STDs and teen pregnancies. "In looking at the way to more effectively reach males, we had to think out of the box," said Ronquillo. MIP has done outreach through teen dances, a basketball tournament, and a teen-written and - produced play presented at schools.
"I had one barber tell me, 'Some of my clients, they don't go to confession, they come to me,'" said Ronquillo. With long waits for favorite barbers, and the shops' easy-going atmosphere, "It's a perfect opportunity," he said.
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