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. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG — Youth participants in the Student Summit are addressing men’s mental health and will host a fair Friday at Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg.

The summit is a leadership and advocacy program hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Four club teens chose men’s 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.

This year’s Student Summit focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding men’s 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.

The Men’s 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.

The goal is to change the conversation around men’s mental health, a release from the hosting members Liam H., Anthony M., Sierra M. and Aniah C. said.

“We want men to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should have to face their struggles alone,” the release said.

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.

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.

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.