Erie County Government - Official website of the Erie County, NY Government
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For The Community
Erie County Health Department (ECDOH)
Teen Wellness Program - A Free, Abstinence Based Education Program for Teens
Did You Know?
- Two-thirds of all STDs occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
- It is estimated that as many as one in four Americans have genital herpes, yet at least 80 percent of those with herpes are unaware they have it.
- Approximately 1 in 4 sexually active teens is infected with a STD.
- Women often have no symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. Some infections, if not treated, may lead to infertility.
- After a long decline, teenage pregnancies are back on the rise.
- Two-thirds of teen moms live in poverty; less than 50 percent graduate high school; and only 2 percent of girls who are moms by the age of 18 will graduate college by the age of 30.
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) provides the Teen Wellness educational program through the Buffalo City Schools at both high schools and elementary schools, from grades 7 through 12. Teen Wellness can also be offered at community organizations.
Groups are tailored to the needs of the students, but include topics such as:
- reproductive anatomy for both females and males
- adolescence and its challenges
- self–esteem
- human growth and development, how life is created
- teen pregnancy, how to prevent teen pregnancy
- contraception advantages and risks
- assertive training
- making healthy decisions in relationships
- maintaining abstinence
- dating
- date rape
- alcohol and tobacco abuse
- sexually transmitted infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea etc., and HIV/AIDS.
Skill based presentations, videos, and group discussions make the program a safe vehicle for adolescents to learn in an informal way, giving them a place to ask questions, and challenge new ideas with their peers.
The ever so popular Baby Think It Over Program is also offered as part of the training.
Typically, groups are held after school with refreshments offered and tokens provided for transportation. As well, classes can be held during health classes. Parent permission is required.
For more information on Teen Wellness call 716-858-7718.
Your information resource from the government of Erie County, New York
