Our kids. Our communities.
Since 2007, teen pregnancy rates have dropped 39% in Idaho. We’re doing our part to continue this trend. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) program provides youth and their parents/caregivers with access to sexual health education in order to help decrease teen pregnancies in Idaho. Studies show that sexual health education helps teens delay sexual activity, use condoms and birth control correctly, avoid sexually transmitted diseases and prevent pregnancy. We implement an evidence-based curriculum called ‘Reducing the Risk’ in select North Idaho high schools. Panhandle Health District also holds an annual ‘Bridging the Gap’ dinner to prepare parents on how to talk to their kids about sex.
Unplanned teen pregnancies cost Idaho taxpayers approximately 39 million dollars a year in Medicaid, foster care and incarceration. Our goal is to help teens plan for their future and recognize the challenges and consequences of being a teen parent.