Fewer Teen Pregnancies Thanks To TPPA

Teaching teens about protecting themselves from pregnancy is not always easy but the Highlands County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance Teen Panel has hit on what works.

Teens don't always want to listen to adult advice so TPPA got young moms in the picture. Then, since it takes two to tango, it got boys involved in the education process.

Last week's eight-grade panel on teen pregnancy, which included all eight-grade boys and girls, had a bit of both elements. A young mother spoke of her mistakes and how she wished she could go back. The students learned the wisdom of waiting and treating their bodies with respect.

Efforts such as these have gone a long way in stemming teen pregnancy rates in Highlands County, once one of the highest in the state. From a fifth-place ranking, teen pregnancies in Highlands are now down to to 29th, of 67 state counties.

TPPA's efforts, especially those of its coordinator Susie Buelow, have been one of the most successful examples of resolving a public health issue.

Many may not consider teen pregnancy to be a public health problem but the Highlands County Health department, in alliance with other groups, did -- when it was a big problem. From there was born TPPA, and its mission to control runaway teen pregnancy rates.

Through efforts such as the teen panels, the group has tried to get the kids when they are at their most impressionable and vulnerable.

Sometimes, having a good conservation is all that is needed, but some parents are still loathe to talk with their children about sex. What they need is the right approach or the right attitude.

Perhaps, one of the things that TPPA could do next is to better equip parents with how to have that conversation. It will also enable the parents to have the talk with their children when they get a little older but still need advice.