In This Issue

The Report is IN! Bexar Teen Births Decrease Again

The Report is IN! Bexar Teen Births Decrease Again

The teen birth rate in Bexar County has dropped by a whopping 15% in the last 2 years. On December 10, teens from Metro Health's Project WORTH unveiled the 2012 Teen Pregnancy Report, showing San Antonio's tremendous progress in teen pregnancy prevention, achieving an important SA2020 goal in only two years. Still, we have a long way to go: our teen birth rate is still 46% higher than the national rate among females ages 15 to 19.

Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing are complex problems that are closely linked to many critical issues, including educational failure, risky behavior, poor health, poverty, and single parenthood. These risks affect not only teen mothers and their children, but also the fathers, the families, and the entire community. In fact, tax costs of Bexar County teen childbearing amounted to $59.6 million dollars in 2012.

At Tuesday's press conference, Health Director Dr. Thomas Schlenker also announced Metro Health's expanded Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative. The initiative includes case management of pregnant and parenting teens; long-acting contraceptives for teen mothers; promotion of teen friendly clinics; and more evidence-based sexual health education. Healthy Futures of Texas is proud to lead the effort to reach all 23 middle schools in both San Antonio and Edgewood Independent School Districts with effective programs.

U.S. Teen Pregnancy at Historic Low

The nation's teen pregnancy rate has plummeted by 42% since 1990. The decline can be attributed to less risky behavior among teens. More teens are waiting to have sex; they also have fewer sexual partners, on average; and more teens are using more effective contraception.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed teen pregnancy as one of the "winnable battles" in public health, and we are winning this battle. A progress report now makes it clear that the U.S. has already achieved the CDC 2015 target of fewer than 30 births per thousand females aged 15 to 19. Many factors have contributed to this progress: helpful policies, use of evidence-based programs, expansion of family planning services, and, importantly, use of more effective contraceptive methods than in previous years.

While there is a substantial decrease in both teen pregnancy and the teen birth rates, few Americans are actually aware of this amazing national success story. Almost half of adults (49%) incorrectly believe the rate has increased in the nation. Continuing the discussion on the declines in teen pregnancy and birth rates, as well as promoting evidence-based sexual health education, can help to lower these rates even further in the coming years.

Happy Holidays Open House

Thank you to all who made it to Healthy Futures' Open House on December 5th. We appreciate all your support, time, and donations.

For those of you who were not able to attend, we send you best wishes for joyous holidays! We hope to see you at our new office sometime in 2014. And, as always, you are welcome to donate at our website or by clicking on the button below.

Special thanks go to Senior Administrative Coordinator Analia Narvaez and Administrative Assistant Norma Haro for the fabulous Christmas decor, to Health Educator Daisy Escamilla and consultant Katie Kinder for serving as our "welcome table" staff. Many thanks to all our wonderful donors and staff and board members and friends for a wonderful evening.

Healthy Futures is growing,we are serving more teens, parents, and seeking to reach out to our whole community. We are looking forward to more progress for young people and families in the New Year!

Healthy Futures of Texas is committed to reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy in San Antonio

and Texas by providing and promoting science-based and culturally appropriate approaches.

We are working toward a community where every young person is able to reach their potential, and

every child is wanted, loved, and cared for.

2300 W. Commerce, Ste. 203

San Antonio, Texas, 78207

210.223.4589

info@healthyfuturestx.org

www.HealthyFuturesTX.org