Teen Pregnancy Prevention – Panhandle Health District

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.

Reducing the Risk

Reducing the Risk (RTR) is a 16-session program designed to help high school students delay the initiation of sex or increase the use of protection against pregnancy and STD/HIV, if they choose to have sex. Trained professionals work with students in North Idaho’s high schools to recognize social pressures and anticipate and prepare for risky situations where unwanted or unprotected sex can occur.’

RTR teaches high school students to:

Evaluate the risks and consequences of becoming an adolescent parent or becoming infected with HIV or another sexually transmitted disease.
Recognize that abstaining from sexual activity or using contraception are the only ways to avoid pregnancy, HIV infection and other STDs.
Conclude that factual information about conception and protection is essential for avoiding teenage pregnancy, HIV infection and other STDs.
Demonstrate effective communication skills for remaining abstinent and for avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.

Bridging the Gap Dinner

Some parents dread talking about the birds and the bees with their children – or avoid it altogether. At the annual North Idaho Bridging the Gap Dinner, you will learn that you’re not alone in your concerns, and you will acquire tools for handling tough or uncomfortable conversations with your kids. This is a unique experience that helps parents understand the world teenagers are living in today—all while enjoying a free, gourmet meal!

Who should attend?

Bridging the Gap Dinner is designed for parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles or anyone else who is helping guide teens and/or pre-teens through life. We will focus on helping those who are attempting to have “the talk” with middle school age children, but welcome anyone involved with youth this age. The dinner is for adults. We do not suggest bringing your younger children as this is a time for parents to practice communication skills that they can take and use in the comfort of their own home.

Teens and parents are encouraged to visit www.idahoteenpregnancy.com to learn more about STDs, birth control, teen pregnancy facts and more.

Contact

Gary Patterson, Program Coordinator
Email: gpatterson@phd1.idaho.gov
Phone: (208) 415-5242
Address: 8500 N. Atlas Rd. Hayden, ID 83835