Lucas County teen pregnancy rate drops, teen programs touted as success
This in via e-mail from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak:
TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION EFFORTS SEE SUCCESS IN LUCAS COUNTY
Commissioner Wozniak, Toledo Public Schools, YWCA, Family Council Share Results of Two-Year Evaluation, Teen Birth Numbers
With new numbers showing a drop in teen birth rates for the first time in many years, Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Toledo Public Schools, the YWCA of Greater Toledo and the Lucas County Family Council will share the results of a two-year evaluation of teen pregnancy prevention efforts on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Waite High School cafeteria, 301 Morrison Drive.
Starting in 2007, Lucas County and its Department of Job and Family Services have invested significant federal dollars in five key teen pregnancy prevention programs, including Reducing the Risk for 8th and 10th graders in all Toledo Public Schools and the Teen Outreach Program at four TPS high schools.
According to the results of a two-year evaluation of those programs, TPS students now have significantly increased knowledge about pregnancy prevention and STDs and report increases in the ability to say no.
In addition, the Teen Outreach Program students are significantly outperforming their peers. At Waite High School, 100% of TOP students passed all five parts of the Ohio Graduation Test.
Most importantly, the Ohio Department of Health reports that in 2008, Lucas County experienced a 13% drop in teen birth among 15-17 year olds, and an 8% drop in teen births among 18-19 year olds.
“While we still have much work to do, we believe that this comprehensive, evidence-based program is helping Lucas County turn the corner on teen pregnancy,” said Commissioner Wozniak. “Working together, we’re giving our young people the information they need to make the best possible choices for their future.”
The coalition was also proud to receive a 2009 national award from the Healthy Teen Network for Outstanding Emerging Innovation in the field of teen pregnancy prevention.
Officials from Toledo Public Schools will be on-hand to discuss the tremendous success these programs have had in their schools over the two year. Also attending will be leadership from Lucas County Job and Family Services, United Way of Greater Toledo, YWCA of Greater Toledo, the Toledo Federation of Teachers, and the Lucas County Family Council.
WHAT: Teen Pregnancy Prevention Efforts See Success In Lucas County
WHEN: Monday, February 1, 2010 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Waite High School cafeteria
