Panama City, Fla. - Parents raising teenagers know what a challenge it can be. Teens are faced with tough decisions, but a program from the Bay County Health Department is trying to make it easier for teens to make healthy choices. Freedom 180 is an abstinence education program. Training specialists visit middle and high schools to teach teens about the risks of premarital sex, including STDs and teen pregnancy.
Jenise DeVoe is a training specialist and says, “we talk about avoiding risky behaviors of all kinds, particularly waiting until you’re married to have sex...until you’re in that committed relationship.” Freedom 180 also has training camps and other community projects to help teach leadership skills.
“I guess the way I have to look at it sometimes is if there’s one kid that makes the decision to wait, and they avoid all those consequences, then it’s worth it,” DeVoe explains.
The Bay County Health Department tracks birth rates among teens 10-19 years old to help evaluate the goals of the Freedom 180 program. No increases in pregnancy rates were noted from 2005 to 2006, except in the 18-19 year old age range. Last year was the first year Freedom 180 was allowed by their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant to target 19 year olds. Pregnancy rates for 2007 will be available later this year.
To find out more about Freedom 180 and how your teen can get involved, click here.