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Teen Pregnancy |
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Since the rate of new infection is high in Newburgh a program targeting the younger population would be very beneficial. We already know from previously cited data that there is a high teen pregnancy rate; allowing us to infer that the young adults of Newburgh are in fact at higher risk than their neighbors of acquiring the disease. I think that there should be an after school program established for female teens that are at risk. The after school program would target young women from the Newburgh free academy but would also allow local teens who attended other schools. Some programs only target females that they deem to be “at risk” but my program would educate all who will listen. Why do you ask? We all could one day be at risk of contracting HIV and it would be a shame to have not been educated because at a particular time someone deemed you as “safe”. Guidelines 1) Parental consent would not be required for high school students. Females younger than that will have to have consent. High school students have easier access to condoms and because of this they will be more inclined to be able to handle a conversation about sexual health. Having such conversations with a younger crowd could possibly have more negative effects than good. It will be left up to the parent’s discretion as to whether or not her daughter is capable of handling such information. 2) These information sessions will only happen once at the beginning of the school year and last for about a week. 3) Classes will be taught by female volunteers who are trained in teaching and sexual education. 4) Since most schools already have after school programs or health classes the funding from those could be used to help fund this program. 5) Advertisement for this program would be verbally communicated to students and a reminder notice would be sent to student’s house. Expectations of facilitators Classes SHOULD BE FUN! This topic is depressing enough without the facilitator making things worse. These teenage girl’s probably know a lot more than you think; don’t speak o them as if they are toddlers.
Create a safe space- any information that is shared in that room stays in that room Have an open mind- never pass judgment on a student’s sexual practices. It will only push them away. Offer sound advice without preaching to them. And last but not least…..BE A FRIEND.
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