May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month!
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month seeks to raise community awareness and support of effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. 
 
This month offers an opportunity to mobilize young adults in the advancement of adolescent sexual health.

The SmartBabies Early Childhood Initiative conducted three surveys in order to further understand the causes and effects of teen pregnancy in the community. Here are some findings from each report:
  • Almost a million Texas Teens are sexually active (826,644).[1]
  • In 2012, the Teen Pregnancy rate in McLennan County was 12.5%. Although the rate dropped by 2% since 2010, the rate in McLennan County is still higher than the Teen pregnancy rate in Texas (10.7%).[2]
  • 96% of Parents and 95% of leaders in McLennan County believe that Teen Pregnancy Prevention should be a higher priority in the Waco area.[3]                                                                                     
  • Teen Childbearing in Waco carries an annual cost of $6.9 million, which is $91 million over a 15 year period of time.[4]
[1] The University of Texas Prevention Research Center at University of Texas School of Public Health
[2] Kids count Data Center 
[3] Leader Survey Report and Parent Survey Report
[4] Cost Benefit Analysis Report

The results of each report emphasize the urgent need to address teen pregnancy and will play a vital role in contributing to the strategic planning process.To see the full survey results, click 
      



To learn ways that you or your organization can get involved with Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Click here! Also, look at what is going on at a national level with teen pregnancy Prevention by visiting the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.


Check out all the events happening during the month of May for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month by clicking here
Read the presidential message about the importance of teen pregnancy prevention by clicking here
Waco Foundation
1227 N. Valley Mills Drive Suite 235
Waco, Texas 76710
254-754-3404