Teen Pregnancy Crisis: Dallas, Texas
Recent articles have touted steadily declining teen birth rates across the nation over the last few decades, but the North Texas Alliance to Reduce Teen Pregnancy (NTARuPT) has been diligently working to drive these rates down in the DFW metro. As part of their efforts, NTARuPT is planning for their big day on April 30th at Paul Quin College in South Dallas-The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. With high hopes of increasing awareness and commitment to improving the lives of teens, NTARuPT is looking to its community partners, like DISD and surrounding school districts to collaboratively turn the tide against teen pregnancy. While we applaud the longstanding efforts of organizations across the country, we cannot turn a blind eye to the excessively high rates that continue to affect teens, families and communities right here in Dallas—some areas have rates as high as 5 times the national average!
Thanks to a recent award of a 5 million dollar federal grant to work in five heavily affected zip codes (75220, 75203, 75212, 75215, 75216), NTARuPT will be delivering education to teens aged 14-17 using Making Proud Choices, a comprehensive sex education curriculum that provides young adolescents with the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to reduce their risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and pregnancy by abstaining from sex or using contraception if they choose to have sex. Recognizing this conversation should begin long before high school, NTARuPT will also be sitting down with parents/guardians for Families Talking Together, an intervention designed to prevent/reduce adolescent sexual risk behaviors through parent involvement.
At Paul Quinn College on April 30th, 2016 from 11am to 3pm, attendees should expect to experience a host of activities, designed to engage teens and those who support them in the community! Featured guests will range from panel discussions of teens, current and former teen parents, and #NTARuPT2016 Film Contest Winners. NTARuPT will also have a video story booth available for you to share your own #sexedstory and thoughts on the topic of #teenpregnancy. There will also be a community resource fair, FREE rapid HIV screenings, and entertainment provided by local high school drumlines. Lunch and snacks will be provided for FREE to registered attendees!
NTARuPT is currently accepting applications for sponsors, vendors, and participants for the talent showcase. Please contact the NTARuPT office at 214.442.1602 or email info@ntarupt.org for more information. Visit www.ntarupt.org to keep up with current updates on the event!
Nikita Toppin Dera, MPH, CLC
Health Educator
North Texas Alliance to Reduce Teen Pregnancy
2904 Floyd Street
Dallas, TX 75204
office: 214.442.1602
ntoppin@ntarupt.org
“The city flourishes when its young people do.”