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Florida Department of Health Recognizes National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

By FDOH-Polk Communications

May 05, 2016

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) recognizes May as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. This observance raises awareness about unplanned teen pregnancy in an effort to reduce the instance and improve the lives and well-being of those effected.

“The teen birth rate in Polk County has been steadily declining over the last decade,” says Dr. Joy Jackson, director of DOH-Polk. “Although this is encouraging, teen pregnancy remains a public health concern in Polk County.”

Approximately one in four teens become pregnant by the age of 20. According to Florida Charts, in 2004 a total of 1,104 births occurred in girls 15-19 years old. This number has decreased significantly in 2014 with a total of 647 births occurring in girls 15-19 years old. Although data shows a decline there are still great health risks associated with teen pregnancies.

Babies born to teen moms:

  • Tend to be premature
  • Are at greater risk for low birth weight
  • Can be more susceptible to long-term health problems
  • Are at greater risk for living in poverty
  • Tend to have difficulty in school
  • Are at risk to becoming a teen parent themselves

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County continuously monitors the number of births to teens and works in collaboration with the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance (TPPA) to plan and implement strategies that reduce teen pregnancies around the county.

FDOH-Polk is encouraging adults to talk openly to teens about sex, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. TPPA will be hosting a Polk Teen Summit on Saturday, May 14 that encourages parents and teens to come and talk about these issues. The theme of the event “What the Facts” is focused on sexual health, STD awareness, and teen pregnancy prevention.

For more information about teen birth rate data, visit www.floridacharts.com

For more information and resources about teen pregnancy, visit http://healthystartcoalition.org/.

For more information regarding the Polk Teen Summit, visit www.healthystarthhp.org/events. 

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