Teenwise Minnesota Announcements
Thank you to everyone who attended Teenwise Minnesota's 2012 Be Wise Benefit Event! We were moved to see the room filled with passionate community members who are dedicated to the well-being of teens.
We are proud to announce that this year's benefit event raised more than $70,000 to support the mission of Teenwise Minnesota which promotes adolescent sexual health, prevents adolescent pregnancy and gains support for adolescent parents. With your support, we can continue to equip adults with the tools they need to guide Minnesota teens during adolescence and into a successful adulthood and beyond.
We'd be remiss if we didn't send a special thank you to our "Stand up for Teenwise Minnesota!" Award Winner, Mary Lee Dayton, as well as the event emcee, Jeron Mariani and our youthrive performers, Heatherlyn and Shanell McCoy.
Thank you to everyone who has already made a gift to Teenwise Minnesota. If you haven't made your gift yet, please consider making a donation in honor of our 2012 Be Wise Benefit Event.
DIAMOND & MATCHING GIFT SPONSORS:
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SILVER LEVEL:
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PURPLE LEVEL:
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New Adolescent Sexual Health Fact Sheets Available!
Teenwise Minnesota has published several new factsheets with the most current available data about Minnesota youth. Contact Jill Farris at jill@teenwisemn.org if you have questions about this information.
- 2012 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report (PDF)
- 2012 Minnesota County Adolescent Sexual Health Reports
- 2010 County Teen Pregnancy and Birth Data - Alphabetized (PDF)
- 2010 County Teen Pregnancy and Birth Data - Ranked (PDF)
- 2008-2010 County Teen Pregnancy and Birth Data - Alphabetized (PDF)
- 2008-2010 County Teen Pregnancy and Birth Data - Ranked (PDF)
- Top 10 Minnesota Counties by Birth & Pregnancy Rates (PDF)
- MFIP Data for Families Started by Adolescent Birth (under age 20) (PDF)
- Disparities in Adolescent Birth Rates by Race and Ethnicity (PDF)
- Minnesota Adolescent Pregnancy and Birth Statistics (PDF)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Minnesota Adolescents (PDF)
- Dollars and Sense (PDF)
2012 Conference Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 21st Annual Teenwise Minnesota Conference! Professionals from around the state and beyond were present for two days of education, networking and exhibiting. Keynote speakers shared insights and inspiration while workshop presenters shared expertise on multiple topics. Visit the Conference webpage to:
- View PowerPoint slides from numerous workshops
- See the PowerPoint we created to celebrate this year's annual award recipients as well as a list of past award winners
- Learn more about keynotes and workshop presenters
The planning process for next year's conference will begin soon. Watch for opportunities to contribute your ideas.
2012 Annual Awards
The following individuals and organizations were honored during the Annual Awards Ceremony held on the first day of the conference. Please join us in congratulating them!
Outstanding Individual Award
Dr. Paul Erickson, NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center
Outstanding Teens Award
Project 4 Teens, Council for Health Action and Promotion
Outstanding Program Award
New Beginnings, Carver Scott Educational Cooperative
Judy Ojeda Outstanding Community Partner Award
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, SELF Program
Congratulations to all of the award recipients, and many thanks for your valuable and amazing work!
Implementing the National Sexuality Education Standards in Minnesota Classrooms: Webinar Recording Now Available!
This webinar was conducted on May 24, 2012, as a follow-up to the April 5 webinar that Teenwise Minnesota hosted to introduce the National Sexuality Education Standards. Webinar presenters included Gabriel McNeal, Adolescent and Youth Development Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Health; Nora Gelperin, Director of Training at Answer; Kathy Chinn, Sexual Health Program Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Health; Mary Thissen-Milder, HIV/STI/UP Prevention Coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Education; Jill Farris, Director of Training and Education at Teenwise Minnesota; and Jenny Oliphant, Research Fellow and Community Outreach Coordinator at the Prevention Research Center, University of Minnesota. View the webinar here.
The May 24 webinar provided the background, rationale and process by which the Standards were created, trends in birth rates and STI rates among Minnesota youth, information about current health education implementation in Minnesota classrooms, information about Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) and how to integrate them with the Standards and introduction of a project to map the standards to various EBIs. The first meeting of the Mapping Project will be July 18, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Education. If you are interested in participating, contact Jenny Oliphant at oliph001@umn.edu or oliph001@gmail.com.
Other Announcements
Teen and Young Adults Models Needed for Hennepin County Sexual Health Campaign - Deadline June 7!
Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department is launching a sexual health campaign aimed at teens and young adults. The campaign is encouraging young people to visit a clinic for sexual health services. It will feature advertisements on various mediums throughout the county. We are currently looking for models to feature in campaign ads. Compensation: $150
Who we're looking for: Real Hennepin County youth (ages 17-21) who believe in the importance of sexual health services for teens and young adults and want to participate in an advertising campaign. Participants will agree to have photos, video and audio captured for use in an upcoming advertising campaign. View the application (PDF).
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is opening a new "Northside Teen Clinic" at Plymouth Youth Center on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Contact NorthPoint with questions.
Minnesota Department of Health Seeking Reviewers for HIV/STD Prevention Funding
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking persons to review proposals for HIV/STD prevention projects funding. Do you want to have direct influence on HIV prevention efforts in Minnesota? Have personal or professional experience in HIV or grant writing/reviewing? Have time available in early August and late September 2012? If so, find out more details about the request for proposals here, and review the memo (PDF) describing the process, time commitment and timeline. If interested, available and meet the qualifications, please complete and submit the Reviewer Application (PDF) by June 25, 2012.
For Youth
New Open Hours for Trans Youth Support Network
Need a place to hang out? Trans Youth Support Network (TYSN) is open from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. every Friday, providing an open, safer space for all genders. Come use computers, watch movies, eat food, play games, make art or just find someone to talk to that might understand. Find out more here.
August 23-26, 2012
Summer Camp Opportunity for LGBTQA Youth: Camp Camp Revolution!
Camp Camp Revolution is a safe and welcoming place for all youth, especially youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, to be their full and true selves. It's a chance for GLBTQA youth to come together for four days of fun and community building. Camp is held at One Heartland camp in Willow River, MN (transportation is provided) and is open to all GLBTQA youth ages 13 to 18. There is a sliding fee registration price ranging from $20-$100. Pre-register online here or check out the flyer (PDF) for more information.
New Resources
OAH May 2012 Newsletter: Parents Too Soon?
The federal Office of Adolescent Health recently released their May 2012 newsletter, "Parents too soon? Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing in the U.S." This newsletter includes information about teen pregnancy prevalence and trends, as well as helpful tips for communities, parents and healthcare providers. Read the newsletter here.
New Research
- Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex
- Sexual Experience and Contraceptive Use Among Female Teens
- Association Found: Risk of Unintended Pregnancy and Young Adult Attitudes, Knowledge of Contraceptives and Norms
- Freeze Frame 2012: A Snapshot of American Teens
- Teens and the Effectiveness of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception
- Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Public Perceptions of Women's Reproductive Health as Political Issue
Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex
Teens say parents most influence their decisions about sex and 87 percent say it would be much easier for them to postpone sex and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents, according to a new survey from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Check out other results by reading the full survey (PDF).
Sexual Experience and Contraceptive Use Among Female Teens
In the May 4 edition of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), nationally representative data on 15-19 year old females was analyzed with regard to trends in onset of sexual experience as well as use of contraceptives. From 1995 to a range of 2006-2010, overall rates of sexual activity declined by 16 percent, with greater reductions among African Americans and Hispanics. Over the same time period, there was an increase in the percentage of those sexually active female teens using highly effective contraceptive methods (defined as hormonal methods or sterilization).
Association Found: Risk of Unintended Pregnancy and Young Adult Attitudes, Knowledge of Contraceptives and Norms
A study to be published in June in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health examined the potential connection between the risk of unintended pregnancy and the attitudes and norms of young people around reproductive health as well as their knowledge of contraceptives. A positive association was found between use of hormonal contraceptives and knowledge of birth control methods; each correct response on a contraceptive knowledge assessment tool corresponded to a 17 percent jump in the likelihood that the individual was using a hormonal or long-lasting method at that time. In addition, norms and attitudes that favored non-marital pregnancy and an undervaluation of contraceptives were correlated with risky contraceptive use behaviors.
Freeze Frame 2012: A Snapshot of American Teens
This publication (PDF) from the National Campaign provides insights into teens' attitudes and behavior regarding sex, peer and family relationships, school, community and media. A sampling of the data includes:
- Most adults and nearly half of teens think teens need more information about abstinence AND contraception.
- Teens say parents are the most important influence when it comes to decisions about sex.
- Most teens say that they are highly engaged in school and hope to complete a two or four year college program.
- Social networking has become the most popular computer activity for teens.
- Teens are very involved in their communities—most report volunteering at least occasionally.
Teens and the Effectiveness of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the failure rate for the pill, patch and ring is over twenty times higher than that of "long-acting reversible contraception"; namely the IUD and Implant. These findings hold true regardless of age, with individuals twenty-one and younger experiencing the same results as older adults.
Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Public Perceptions of Women's Reproductive Health as Political Issue
The May, 2012 Kaiser Health Tracking Poll focused on how women perceive the newly re-energized public and political conflict over reproductive health.
- 31 percent of women reported a belief in a "wide scale effort" to limit access to reproductive health services, including contraception and family planning.
- 45 percent said they did not think there was a "wide scale effort," but that there existed groups interested in reducing the reproductive health options available to women.
- Seven percent indicated they did not believe there was any effort to reduce reproductive health choices, while 17 percent gave no opinion.
Teenwise Minnesota Events
July 10-12, 2012
Teen Outreach Program: Training of Educators
MN Department of Health, Snelling Office Park
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul
The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is a nationally acclaimed, science-based curriculum to prevent adolescent pregnancy and help young people succeed in school. Designed for youth in 6th to 12th grade, TOP incorporates a strong service-learning component based on principles of youth development. TOP has been successfully implemented in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. For more information, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or jill@teenwisemn.org.
July 24-26, 2012
¡Cuídate!: Training of Educators
July 24-25, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
July 26, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
MN Department of Health, Snelling Office Park
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul
¡Cuídate!—which means "take care of yourself"—helps youth develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills to reduce their risk for HIV. This curriculum, designed for Latino youth ages 13-18, emphasizes risk reduction strategies such as waiting to have sex and condom use while highlighting cultural values that support safer sex and reframing cultural values that are perceived as barriers to safer sex. For more information, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or jill@teenwisemn.org.
Other Events
June 14, 2012
The Adolescent Encounter - The Basics and Beyond
This workshop is designed for providers and staff wanting to enhance their knowledge, assessment and skills in working with adolescent clients in a health care setting. The workshop will address adolescent physical, social and mental health development, and components of checkups that are unique and important for the adolescent age group. There is a strong focus on becoming more comfortable with the psychosocial interview, including interactive training with adolescent actors. This training is a collaborative effort between the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota. Register online here. Contact Sheila Blackman, 651-201-3734, sheila.blackman@state.mn.us with questions.
June 19, July 25 and August 8, 2012
Minnesota AIDS Project HIV Summer Institute Series
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis
June 19 - MAP Harm Reduction Programs
This training will explain MAP's Harm Reduction Programs and the connection of these programs with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Examples of risk reduction activities that can be used with clients, a demonstration of a counseling session using the rapid HIV test and an explanation of the new Social Networking Testing Program will be provided. The training will also cover the history of the Syringe Exchange Program and includes a tour of the Syringe Exchange van.July 25 - Sexually Transmitted Infections and the Connection with HIV Transmission
Untreated STIs can lead to a higher risk of acquiring HIV and people with HIV are more susceptible to STIs. This training will cover STI transmission, prevention and treatment as well as the effects of co-infection.August 8 - Hepatitis C and HIV
Hepatitis C is the most common co-infection for individuals living with HIV. This training will help participants understand the connections between HIV and Hepatitis C. This training will outline transmission, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis C and explain implications of living with both HIV and Hepatitis C.
For more information, visit www.mnaidsproject.org. RSVP for the series at communityeducation@mnaidsproject.org.
June 25-29, 2012
13th Annual Western Region Institute for Teachers and Community Health Educators (WRITCHE)
Westerbeke Ranch
Sonoma, CA
WRITCHE is designed to increase knowledge and build skills needed to deliver comprehensive, culturally proficient, medically accurate sexuality education. WRITCHE is a residential, intensive, skill-based training for sexuality, STD/HIV and family planning educators working in schools or community-based organizations. WRITCHE topics routinely include HIV/STDs, puberty, contraception, abstinence, safer sex, abuse/coercion prevention, decision making, communication and self-esteem.
For more information and to register, visit www.cardeaservices.org.
July 22-27, 2012
TISHE 2.0
Building on a decade of success, TISHE 2.0 (Training Institute in Sexual Health Education) will offer participants a more robust professional development experience than ever before. Intended for more seasoned professionals who provide sexuality education in school or community-based settings, this intensive week-long institute will transform professionals' thinking about effective delivery of sexuality education for our nation's youth. TISHE 2.0 is coordinated by Answer and SIECUS. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
July 30-August 1, 2012
August 2, 2012 (for graduate students only)
2012 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health
Equal Access, Equal Say: Achieving Health Equity for All Young People
Minnesota Department of Health - Mississippi Room
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul
For young people today, inequitable social conditions in schools, families and communities can lead to dramatically differing paths to adulthood, some healthier than others. During the 2012 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health, delve into the myriad conditions that underlie disparities in health, visit settings where these disparities are being challenged, and talk with youth and the professionals who work with them to realize health equity for all young people. Learn strategies and gain new skills in the creation of supportive environments, the provision of responsive services and the engagement in effective advocacy for the advancement of health equity for all young people. For more information and to register, click here.
September 11, 2012
Minnesota Reproductive and Sexual Health Update
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
We're pleased to announce keynote speaker Sharon Schnare (RN, RNP, CNM, MSN, FAANP) will join us to share the latest research and technology in birth control. Additional topics include:
- Trends and research in sexually transmitted infections
- Contraceptive counseling and motivational interviewing
- Health Care Reform and its impact on the field of reproductive health
- An open Q&A session with Sharon Schnare
- And more!
Mark your calendars, and don't miss out on the latest in reproductive health practice, research, and technology! Watch for additional details this summer, or check hcet.org for updates.
September 14, 2012
Keeping Our Youth Safe on the Internet
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
TIES Building
1667 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul
The purpose of this class is to teach parents and youth intervention professionals the most current best practices of Internet safety. By attending this training, you will learn about the strategies of sexual predators, how to help kids deal with cyber bullying and also about various strategies for monitoring computer activities. This includes learning more about filtering software and how to implement it in the home, schools, and out of school time program. For more information and to register, visit www.mnyipa.org.
September 25, 2012
Youth Homelessness: Appropriate Intervention and Prevention Strategies
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Mounds View Community Center
5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View
Whether you work with youth in the urban, suburban, or rural areas of Minnesota this workshop has been developed for you. You will leave with a better understanding of what it means to be homeless, why so many of Minnesota's youth are finding themselves in this situation and what you can do to best help a homeless youth in your program or classroom setting. Learn from skilled practitioners in the field from all three geographical regions in Minnesota. Understand some basic steps that you can take to help prevent high-risk youth from becoming homeless in the first place. Hear from a panel of homeless or formerly homeless youth and engage in an important dialogue about reversing this alarming trend and providing the support that homeless, or high-risk for homelessness youth need. For more information and to register, visit www.mnyipa.org.
Funding Opportunities
MDH HIV/STD Prevention Request for Proposals (RFP) Available
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released an HIV/STD Prevention Request for Proposals (RFP) on May 21, 2012. Funding will be available for four program areas: HIV testing and outreach, prevention for HIV positive individuals, syringe services programming and HIV prevention targeting high-risk youth. View the RFP here.
A notice of intent will be due on June 15, 2012 and will be required of anyone interested in submitting a proposal. Submitting a notice of intent does not mean that you have to submit a proposal. However, proposals will not be accepted from applicants who fail to submit a notice of intent. Pre-proposal workshops on the RFP process and on treatment as an HIV prevention strategy will be held June 14 and June 15, 2012.
Proposals are due July 24, 2012 with award notices going out in mid-October for awards beginning January 1, 2013.
Promise Neighborhoods
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the next round of Promise Neighborhood applications, including grants for both planning and implementation. The total available funding for FY2012 is $60,000,000, divided between up to fourteen planning and seven implementation awards. Please follow this link for more information, including eligibility and application process.
CVS Grants
The CVS Caremark Community Grants Program supports health education initiatives focused on at-risk and underserved populations. In addition, it supports programming for young people with disabilities who are under the age of 21. Applications will be accepted through October 31. For more information and/or to apply, please click here.