The Action Line!
Your Source for Teen Pregnancy Prevention News
September 2008- Vol 4, Issue 4
In This Issue
Resource Roundup
Science Matters!
Funding Alerts
Dates to Know
In the Media
Wrap-up and Feedback
Join Our Mailing List!
Greetings!
New LogoAh, September Morn! We danced until the night became a brand new day. Two lovers playing scenes from some romantic play. September morning still can make me feel this way.  And the Action Line this month can make you feel that way all month long, with funding opportunities, new research and tools aplenty to keep you crooning!
Resources, Information and Other Useful Things
  1. "DCR Report " on Unplanned Pregnancy
    The DCR Report (Data, Charts, Research) from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy provides in depth answers to some critical questions about unplanned pregnancy, including sections devoted to unplanned pregnancy among all women, unplanned pregnancy among unmarried 20-somethings, and resolution of unplanned pregnancy. For more information and to view the report, click here. 
  2. Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health
    Run by The Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, the Data Resource Center allows you to compare results from two national surveys, the National Survey of Children's Health, 2003, and National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2001 and 2005-06. For more information, click here. 
  3. Child Trends presents: How Much Do You Know About Teen Sexual Behavior? A True-False Quiz  
    Without the facts, it's difficult to develop effective approaches to reduce risky sexual behaviors and prevent teen pregnancy and STD transmission.  A new Child Trends fact sheet, How Much Do You Know About Teen Sexual Behavior? A True-False Quiz, lists ten things that parents, policy makers, and practitioners should know about teen sexual behavior.  Click here to read the report.
  4. The Reproductive Justice Leadership Institute will take place October 17-19 in Chapel Hill, NC. The RJLI is an in depth look at issues that affect our reproductive freedom. We'll spend an intense weekend together talking about what we care about , hearing from advocates & organizers in the South, & learning how to move thought into action.  Who should apply: People under the age of 30; Students living, working, studying, or organizing in the South; People committed to social justice & real change. Click here for more info!
  5. Strategies for Change: Breaking Barriers to HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Care for Women
    This report, from the Open Society Institute's 2008 symposium, presents worldwide initiatives that provide empowerment, legal, economic, and health services for women, who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, to ensure equitable access to services and involvement in shaping policies. To view the report, click here. 
  6. The Need to Evaluate Programs Targeting Out-of-School Youth
    A July 18, 2008, forum sponsored by the Community Service Society of New York and the Coalition on Human Needs looked at the existing research on programs designed to improve these numbers. For more information, click here. 
  7. SingleStop USA
    SingleStop USA is an initiative to slash poverty nationally with an approach that bridges the information gap separating low-income families from public benefits, tax credits, and other essential services, including food, health insurance, and child care, which increase the likelihood that families are healthy and stable. For more information, click here. 
  8. Public Education Network Funding Newsblast
    The Public Education Network has a wealth of information for education related grants including weekly announcements. For more information, click here.
  9. SIECUS releases factsheet on the status of Title V AUM Funding
    SIECUS is releasing a new factsheet, titled "We're Outta Here," on the status of Title V abstinence-only-until-marriage funding and a listing of the states that are no longer participating.  We are thankful for the feedback from many state partners that necessitated the creation of this document.  We hope it will be useful in showcasing that the vast majority of states not participating are doing so based on science, common sense and mainstream American values.  For more information, click here.
  10. Heath Education Training for NC Middle & High School Educators
    The NC Association for the Advancement of Health Education, NC Department of Public Instruction, and the NC School Health Training Center are offering ten regional workshops in the brand new Successfully Teaching Health manuals. Teachers may earn .5 renewal credits. Lunch and the workshop will be provided by the Training Center at no cost to participants.  Training runs from 9-3. Purchasing the manual and bringing it to the training are recommended.  Manuals can be purchased on-line at www.ncaahperd.org/ncaahe.  Questions about workshop: Contact Donna at 828-262-2292 or breitenstein@appstate.edu. Questions about registration: Contact Genele at 828-265-8625 or byrdgr@appstate.edu. You will be sent confirmation and directions as registration is received.
    Dates for Middle School Educators:
    September 17 (W) - Hamlet (Richmond County)
    September 19 (F) - Shelby
    October 1 (W) - Durham
    October 6 (M) - Winston-Salem
    October 6 (M) - Wilmington
    Dates for High School Educators:
    September 12 (F) - Salisbury
    September 15 (M) - Boone
    September 17 (W) - Rocky Mount
    September 30 (Tu) - Clinton City (Sampson County)
    October 3 (F) - Asheville
Science Matters!
  1. Prevalence and Correlates of Dating Violence in a National Sample of Adolescents
    This study sought to examine the lifetime prevalence of serious forms of dating violence in 12- to 17- year-olds, risk and protective factors associated with dating violence, and the relation between dating violence and mental health. (Wolitzky-Taylor, K. et al. (2008). Prevalence and Correlates of Dating Violence in a National Sample of Adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(7), 755-762). 
  2. Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and the Risk of Early Fetal Death
    According to the authors of this report, "in this large retrospective cohort study of more than 650,000 pregnancies, we report elevated risks of stillbirth among mothers who admit to alcohol ingestion during pregnancy." (Muktar, H. A. et al. (2008). Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and the Risk of Early Stillbirth among Singletons. Alcohol, 42(5), 369-374).
  3. Estimation of HIV Incidence in the United States
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report indicating that the new estimated HIV cases per year are 56,300, approximately 40 percent higher than what has long been assumed when planning and budgeting for efforts to end the epidemic. (Hall, H.I. et al. (2008). Estimation of HIV Incidence in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 300(5), 520-529).
    *The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has developed talking points for local health departments to address questions from the community about the new data. To view this resource, click here. 
  4. Most Parents Report Strong Relationships with Children of All Ages
    Contrary to popular opinion, most parents report close bonds with their children, communicate with their children about important topics, and are acquainted with most of their children's friends, according to a new Child Trends fact sheet. (Bandy, T. et al. (2008). The Parent-Child Relationship: A Family Strength. Child Trends). 
  5. Study Indicates Higher Incidence of Childbirth-Related PTSD than Previously Thought
    Nearly one in 10 US women who have given birth recently meet the formal criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from childbirth, according to a new survey. (New Mothers Speak Out Report (2008). Childbirth Connection). 
  6. Percentage of HS Students Engaging in Behaviors that Can Spread STIs Declines, CDC Study Says
    The percentage of US high school students who report engaging in sexual behaviors that can spread sexually transmitted infections declined from 1991 to 2007. ((2008). Trends in HIV- and STD-Related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students --- United States, 1991--2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, 57(30), 817-822).
  7. Connections Found Between Children's TV Viewing Habits, Parental Involvement, and Behavior Problems
    Parental Involvement in Middle Childhood: Can It Protect Children from Harmful TV Viewing Habits and Behavior?, a new Child Trends fact sheet, finds that children who watch more than three hours of television a day, who do not communicate very well with their parents, and whose parents know few or none of their friends have greater levels of externalizing (acting out) and internalizing (i.e., depression or anxiety) behavior problems.  Moreover, the combination of frequent TV viewing and low levels of parental involvement is related to particularly elevated levels of behavior problems in children. The fact sheet uses data about more than 30,000 six to 11-year-olds from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health.
  8. A Guide to Assessing What Kids Think About Themselves
    Children in the United States tend to experience a decline in positive self-concept during their adolescent years.  A new Child Trends brief, Assessing What Kids Think About Themselves: A Guide to Adolescent Self-Concept for Out-Of-School Time Program Practitioners, provides information on how to assess self-concept among out-of-school program participants.  It also suggests specific strategies that program providers can employ to improve an adolescent's self-concept.  The brief includes tools for measuring adolescent self-concept and a list of additional resources.
Funding Alerts
  1. Unitarian Universalist Association Fund for a Just Society
    The Unitarian Universalist's Fund for a Just Society provides grants to organizations which (1) use community organizing to bring about systemic change leading to a more just society, (2) mobilize those who have been disenfranchised and excluded from resources, power and the right to self-determination, and (3) have an active focused campaign to create systemic change.
    Deadline: September 15, 2008
    For more information, click here. 
  2. Auto Zone Focus on the Community Grants
    Auto Zone's community grant program is designed to support non-profit organizations through charitable donations and in-kind gifts as well as encourage others to get involved in philanthropic activities, often focusing on children.
    Deadline: February 1, 2009
    For more information, click here. 
  3. Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Grants
    Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit Grants fund projects that decrease community level disparities in health care, especially among vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and children.
    Deadline: Rolling
    For more information, click here.
  4. David and Lucile Packard Foundation Grants
    The goal of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation's Children's Health Insurance grants is to ensure that all children have health insurance that provides them access to health care appropriate to their needs. Funding is focused on maximizing participation in public programs, for which most uninsured children are eligible, and supporting new and innovative programs to meet the remaining unmet needs for children's health insurance. Tax-exempt, charitable organizations are eligible. Award amounts vary. Deadline: Rolling. Contact The David and Lucile Packard Foundation directly for complete program information and application guidelines: Click Here
  5. BJ's Wholesale Club Grants
    The mission of BJ's Charitable Foundation is to enhance and enrich the communities BJ's stores serve.  Grants are awarded to organizations which promote the safety, security and well being of children and families, support education and health programs, provide community service opportunities, and aid in hunger and disaster relief. Organizations with 501(c)3 status that serve communities with BJ's stores are eligible. Award amounts vary. Deadlines: August 8, 2008 and October 6, 2008. Contact BJ's Charitable Foundation directly for complete program information and application guidelines: Click Here!
  6. Highly Innovative Tactics to Interrupt Transmission of HIV (HIT-IT) (R01) Grant
    This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), solicits Research Project Grant (R01) applications from institutions/organizations that aim to stimulate the discovery, design and early preclinical evaluation of highly innovative, risky-but-rational approaches that could provide long term protection from acquiring HIV infection. Recent setbacks in the vaccine, microbicide and other biomedical prevention fields have raised interest in for new, alternative and untested outside-the-box approaches, highlighting the need for a shift in paradigms to discover and develop new prevention strategies that address this conundrum. The proposed work is expected to explore novel hypotheses or address difficult problems, the solutions to which could have a significant impact on finding methods to interrupt HIV transmission. The research proposed is expected to focus on verifying a hypothesis or solving a problem for the field. The program is open to established and new investigators and does not require research expertise in the area of HIV prevention as a prerequisite for submitting an application. This FOA will utilize the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) (with modified submission requirements) award mechanism. Deadline for submissions is November 10, 2008. For more information, please click here.
  7. Sexually Transmitted Infections Cooperative Research Centers Funding Opportunity (U19)
    The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to stimulate multidisciplinary, collaborative research that is focused on control and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), associated syndromes and other reproductive tract infections. Research topics include, but are not limited to, basic and translational projects on STI prevention such as vaccines, microbicides and behavioral interventions. The Sexually Transmitted Infections Cooperative Research Centers (STI CRC) will carry out research projects organized around a central theme, foster interaction among established STI investigators, and support the development of investigators new to the field. -Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH multi-project (U19) cooperative agreement grant mechanism. The NIAID intends to commit $10.2M in total costs in fiscal year 2009 to fund new and/or competing renewal grants in response to this FOA. Deadline for submissions is October 30, 2008. For more information, please click here.
  8. NC Community Foundation Grants
    The North Carolina Community Foundation serves philanthropic donors and supports not-for-profit organizations throughout North Carolina. The NCCF makes grants from charitable funds established by individuals, families, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Foundation accepts applications from non-profit organizations for grants in the spring of each year. For more information, please see the "Applying for Grants" section of an affiliate webpage.
  Important Dates to Know
  • September 2: TPPI RFA released
  • 2008 United States Conference on AIDS (USCA)
    Over 3,000 workers representing all fronts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, from case managers and physicians, to public health workers and advocates, to people living with AIDS, to policymakers, come together to build national support networks, exchange the latest information and learn cutting-edge tools to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
    Dates: September 18-21, 2008
    Location: Miami Beach, FL
    For more information, visit http://www.nmac.org/index/2008-usca.
  • 2008 National Human Services Assembly Leaders' Summit
    This summit brings together important decision-makers and all those who develop, manage and support the human and financial resources that make it possible for today's nonprofit to devote the maximum to achieving mission.
    Dates: September 25-26, 2008
    For more information, click here.
  • October 9 - 2008 Hispanic Symposium held, "Teen Pregnancy Prevention for Hispanic Latino/Youth". This year's conference will take place at The Friday Center in Chapel Hill, NC.  Featuring the following speakers: Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Associate Professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work, contributing author for The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; Martica Bacallao  Assistant Professor at UNC Greensboro and Paul Smokowski Ph.D, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, UNC Chapel Hill;  Josh Hinson, Mental health and substance abuse practitioner with El Futuro in Carrboro and Siler City -and more Hispanic topics!
  • October 9 - Guilford Coalition's Fifth Annual Conference: Let's Talk: a Conversation about Teen Pregnancy and Prevention.  UNC Greensboro (EUC: Cone Ballrooms A&B)
  • October 22: Western Regional Teen Parent Network Meeting, Burke Co. Agricultural Bldg, Morganton, NC.  Fall Regional Teen Parent Network Meetings will follow up on April's Education Forum.  Bring your experiences, share strategies that work, and develop action plans to expand educational opportunities for pregnant and parenting students in your community. For more information, email Kathy Putnam (Please attend either the Eastern or the Western meetings.)
  • October 29 - November 1: Healthy Teen Network Conference in Albuquerque: Speaking Many Languages, Respecting Diversity, Believing in Equity.
  • November 12: 3rd Annual APPCNC Grant Writing Training
  • November 19: Eastern Regional Teen Parent Network Meeting, Greene County Health Care, Inc., Snow Hill, NC. Fall Regional Teen Parent Network Meetings will follow up on April's Education Forum.  Bring your experiences, share strategies that work, and develop action plans to expand educational opportunities for pregnant and parenting students in your community. For more information, email Kathy Putnam (Please attend either the Eastern or the Western meetings.)
  • December 12: TPPI Applications Due
  • The National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) with the support of its National Institutes of Health Institute/Center partners is convening the first NIH Research Summit on The Science of Eliminating Health Disparities. The summit will be held December 16 - 18, 2008 in National Harbor, MD, and is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants from various disciplines and sectors. It is for anyone interested in best-practice models and strategies with the potential to transform current approaches to health disparities, strengthen the research enterprise, and enhance the translation of research findings, communication, and information dissemination to the affected populations and healthcare professionals. For more information, click here.
  • May 19 - 21, 2009: APPCNC and NCDHHS present: Annual Conference 2009: "Crossing the Great Divide: Bringing Science & Research to Action!", Greensboro, NC!
In the Media
  1. As always, APPCNC's Podcasts are available as a resource.  We're currently looking for programs to spotlight as success stories, so if you'd like to be interviewed, let us know.  New episodes are up every two weeks.  Visit here for more information.
  2. Also to toot our own horn, APPCNC has been blogging since April 2007.  To read the APPCNC staff blog, click here.
  3. NPR Examines US Hispanics, HIV/AIDS
    As discussed on National Public Radio's "Tell Me More," Hispanics account for about 14 percent of the US population but represented 22 percent of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2006, according to data reported last week by the Washington Post. (Source: Corley, NPR, 7/28/2008). 
  4. Several 'Disturbing Elements' to Potential HHS Rule that Could Limit Birth Control Access, Opinion Piece Says
    The fact that the Bush administration is "catering to the anti-choice movement's larger agenda of making contraception harder to obtain" is one of "several disturbing elements" of a draft HHS regulation that allegedly seeks to allow medical providers to refuse patients access to commonly used contraceptive methods, according to an opinion piece. (Source: Pollitt, Nation, 8/4/2008). 
  5. Why educating immigrants is good for all of us
    Rob Schofield of NC Policy Watch has a great and insightful take on why education for immigrants, legal or otherwise, is in the best interests of North Carolina.  Check it out here.
Last But Not Least
If you've got a hot tip, an upcoming event or news that you think others should hear, drop a line to the Action Line.  Until the next issue, keep up the good work!