PCI began working with San Diego’s East African refugee community in the mid-1990’s to link people to health care and social services, and to train local health care providers to deliver culturally appropriate services.

In the fall of 2003 PCI received funding from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs to implement a dynamic, action-based research project aimed at gathering important information on reproductive health and skills building of a small but growing segment of the US populations – African immigrant and refugee youth. The program works with male African immigrants and refugees, ages 14-19, in the San Diego community to improve their reproductive health behaviors through abstinence-based health education and life skills training.

Project B.R.O. has several components that include direct education, life-skills development, recreation, volunteer work, and cultural appreciation. The program is located at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center located in the Mid-City neighborhood of San Diego.

The youth meet twice a week in small groups with health educators to discuss and learn about important health and life skills topics such as abstinence, HIV/AIDS, contraceptive methods, and goal setting and decision making skills. For participating in program, students receive membership to the Salvation Army/Kroc Community Center where they can participate in recreational activities with the health educators.

If you would like more information about Project BRO, please contact:
Ted Morrison ( tmorrison@projectconcern.org ) at (619)791-2610 ext 302