MOAPPP July 2010 E-Monthly

Get Out the Vote!

Elected officials make decisions that impact our lives every day. Make sure your voice is heard in this year’s elections! The date of the Primary election has been moved up to Tuesday, August 10. Absentee balloting started June 25! Use the links below to get your questions answered.

  • Registering to vote
  • Absentee voting
  • Where do I vote?
  • General information

2011 MOAPPP Conference Planning Committee Seeks New Members

Planning for MOAPPP’s 20th Annual Conference is underway, and we are recruiting new members for the planning committee. We look to committee members for their perspectives and advice on the conference theme, workshop and keynote presentations, and event logistics. Meetings are held once a month at the MOAPPP office and promise to be productive, stimulating…and fun! If you would like to be involved in planning this great event, please contact Sally Mandler at 651-644-1447 x13 or [email protected].


It’s That Easy Initiative Highlighted on National Campaign’s Website

MOAPPP’s It’s That Easy: A Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Children Initiative is currently highlighted on the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy’s website. The Campaign details the history, purpose, evaluation efforts and future goals of the Initiative. You can link to a PDF here.

Other Announcements

National Health and Human Services Priority: Reduce Teen and Unintended Pregnancy

United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announced that she is including teen pregnancy prevention in her inter-agency priorities. HHS will focus on three strategies to reduce teen and unplanned pregnancy, including: 1) investing in evidence-based teen pregnancy reduction strategies, 2) targeting populations at high risk for teen pregnancy and 3) increasing access to clinical services. Click here to read Secretary Sebelius’ statement.


An Update on Minnesota’s Sexual Violence Prevention Plan

Minnesota’s Sexual Violence Prevention Program recently met with community stakeholders to select its new focus: “Creating a healthy, respectful environment in Minnesota that does not sexually exploit children.” Small groups will be formed, devoted to making a difference in the following areas: media, faith communities, healthy school environments and resources. If you are interested in providing input on any or all of these topics, please contact Evelyn Anderson at [email protected].

New Resources

Title lX – Access to Education Guide

The National Women’s Law Center has released this new guide, It’s Your Education: How Title IX Protections Can Help You, which provides information to students at all levels of education about their rights under Title lX to ensure that male and female students receive the education they deserve. It’s Your Education lays out the key protections under Title IX and provides tips for students on what to do if they suspect that they are experiencing discrimination in school.


SIECUS Releases Seventh Annual State Profiles

MOAPPP July 2010 E-MonthlySexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) released the 7th annual State Profiles. State Profiles is the most complete portrait ever assembled of sexuality education laws and policies, comprehensive approaches to sex education taking place in public schools, and abstinence-only-until-marriage-programs in the United States. A blog summarizing the new era of funding and policy can be found at www.rhrealitycheck.org.


It’s All One Curriculum

The It’s All One curriculum, developed by an international working group convened by the Population Council, provides guidelines for a unified approach to sexuality, gender, HIV and human rights education. The curriculum includes information on a variety of topics including sexual health and well-being, gender, sexuality, interpersonal relationships, communication and reproductive health. The curriculum also provides fact sheets and lesson plans. Download the full guide here (PDF).


Center for the Study of Social Policy Website Expands to Include Info on Adolescent Pregnancy

The Center for the Study of Social Policy, in partnership with The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, has expanded content on their website. The site now offers policymakers strategies to reduce adolescent pregnancy in their states and includes data, research, state examples, links to materials and recommendations for policy options that have demonstrated results in reducing adolescent pregnancy. Visit the Reduce Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy section of their website here.


Careful, Current, and Consistent: Tips to Improve Contraceptive Use

This recently released brochure (PDF) from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, is designed to foster more targeted conversation between patients and reproductive health professionals—even those who feel they have too little time to discuss contraceptive choices in detail. Under each tip is a brief note on why to offer this tip and how to do so.

New Research

Recent Study Shows Electronic Medical Records Speed Chlamydia Treatment

According to this study, electronic medical records reduced the time to diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia. This improvement is thought to be a function of improved efficiencies with EMR.


Young Men’s Intimate Partner Violence and Relationship Functioning: Long-term Outcomes Associated with Suicide Attempt and Aggression in Adolescence

This study examined the relationship between suicide attempts, partner violence and adolescent impulsive aggression in a longitudinal study of boys and young men age 10-32 years. Aggression and suicide-attempt history in adolescence each predict poor relationship outcomes, including partner violence, in young adulthood. Findings are consistent with the theory of a trait-like vulnerability, such as impulsive aggression, that undermines adaptation across multiple domains in adolescence and young adulthood. Prevention and intervention approaches can target common causes of diverse public health problems.


Progress Stalled on Adolescent Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use

The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics released a report based on the National Survey of Family Growth. The full NSFG report can be found here (PDF). Among the findings:

  • Declines in sexual activity and increases in contraceptive use among sexually experienced youth remained essentially unchanged between 2002 and 2006-08.
  • At present, about four in ten adolescents (42 percent of females and 43 percent of males) have had sex at least once.
  • About one in four sexually experienced teens (22 percent of females and 24 percent of males) say they would be pleased if they or their partner got pregnant now.

The CDC also recently released the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). YRBS results can be found here. Among the findings:

  • Between 2007 and 2009, there was no change in the percent of high school youth who have had sex, those who have had sex with four or more partners, those who are sexually active (had sex in the last three months), or who used a condom the last time they had sex.
  • The percentage of high school youth who used birth control pills or Depo-Provera the last time they had sex increased between 2007 and 2009.
  • The percentage of high school youth who have been taught about HIV/AIDS decreased between 2007 and 2009.

New Research from Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

The June 2010 issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health includes several articles about adolescent sexual health:

  • Sex Redefined: The Reclassification Of Oral-Genital Contact (full text here-PDF)
  • History of Forced Sex and Recent Sexual Risk Indicators Among Young Adult Males (abstract here)
  • The Association of Socioemotional Problems with Early Sexual Initiation (abstract here)
  • Withdrawal Attitudes and Experiences: A Qualitative Perspective among Young Urban Adults (abstract here)
  • Lowering the Risk of Secondary HIV Transmission: Insights from HIV-Positive Youth and Health Care Providers (abstract here)
  • “We’re the Heroes!”: Fathers’ Perspectives on Their Role in Protecting their Preteenage Children from Sexual Risk (abstract here)
  • Abstinence and Teenagers: Prevention Counseling Practices of Health Care Providers Serving High-Risk Patients in the United States (abstract here)

Sexual, Emotional and Behavioral Correlates Associated With Young Women’s First and Usual Coital Events

This study examined young women’s sexual interest and love at first and subsequent coitus. During sexual debut, youth reported high levels of both sexual interest and condom usage. During subsequent sexual encounters, feelings of love increased but condom use decreased. The authors conclude that sexual interest and love are independent components of coital behavior, and results suggest there is an expectation of significance during first coitus that should be considered when determining how best to promote both pleasure and healthy behaviors in teens.


The Impact of Community-Based STI Screening Results on Sexual Risk Behaviors of African American Adolescents

This study examined the effect of a community-based STI screening program on sexual risk behavior among African American adolescents. Adolescents who tested positive for an STI reduced their number of vaginal and oral sex partners and the probability of unprotected sex. The authors conclude that community-based STI screening can help to reduce sexual risk behavior in youth who test positive for STIs. Alternative approaches will be needed to reduce risk behavior in youth who test negative but who are nevertheless at risk for acquiring an STI. Read the abstract here.

MOAPPP Events

THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN CANCELLED
July 13-14, 2010
It’s That Easy! Parent Educator Training

Winona, MN


July 20-22, 2010
Safer Choices: Training of Educators
NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., July 20 and 21
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., July 22
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville

Safer Choices is an evidence-based curriculum taught over two consecutive years, 10 lessons in 9th grade (Level One) and 10 lessons in 10th grade (Level Two). Safer Choices involves teachers, parents and community members to have a positive influence on adolescents’ decisions regarding sex and help them feel supported in making healthy choices. In addition to the highly interactive training, each participant receives a copy of the Safer Choices curriculum, student workbooks and activity kit.

For more information and to register, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Jill at 651-644-1447 x18, [email protected].


August 3-5, 2010
Making Proud Choices!: Training of Educators

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., August 3 and 4
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., August 5
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville

Making Proud Choices! is an eight-module curriculum for use by school districtsfaith communities and community organizations that provides adolescents with the knowledge, confidence and skills to reduce their risk of STI/HIV and pregnancy. This curriculum, designed for youth ages 11-13, emphasizes waiting to have sex or using condoms if young people choose to have sex. In addition to the two and a half days of highly interactive training, each participant receives a copy of the Making Proud Choices! curriculum, an activity set and video clips.

For more information and to register, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Jill at 651-644-1447 x18, [email protected].


August 19, 2010
What About the Baby? Nurturing Healthy Attachment in Young Families

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Duluth Area – Location to be Determined

Early learning happens in the context of relationships. This workshop focuses on the importance of relationship—between adolescent parents and their children and between young families and the professionals who work with them. It offers insight into the strengths and challenges faced by young parents, the competing developmental agendas of adolescent parents and their children, and strategies for promoting relationships that lead to the healthy development of both parent and child (this workshop has been offered in the past under that title, Relationship Matters).

For more information and to register, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Sue at 651-644-1447 x15, [email protected].


September 23, 2010
Teen Pregnancy Prevention 101

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Community Room at Snell Motors
1900 Madison Avenue, Mankato
This training is offered twice a year at various locations across Minnesota.

This training is intended for professionals new to the field of adolescent pregnancy prevention. Participants review the basics of adolescent pregnancy prevention including pregnancy, birth and STI statistics; trends in adolescent pregnancy and sexual behaviors; basics of adolescent growth and development; risk and protective factors associated with adolescent pregnancy; and prevention strategies that work. Each participant will leave with a basic understanding of current research and resources, what to do to promote adolescent sexual health and where to go for more information and support.

For more information and to register, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Lorie at 651.644.1447 x 12, [email protected].


September 30, 2010
Save the Date! Registration Information Coming Soon!
Access to Education for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
MN Department of Education, Roseville

This forum will delve into the meaning and scope of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 with respect to the prevention of discrimination against students who are pregnant and/or parenting. Forum objectives include:

  • How the law protects access to education for pregnant and parenting students: Title IX is not just about sports!
  • The unique needs of pregnant and parenting students.
  • What do pregnant and parenting students need to stay in school, graduate and move on to post-secondary schools and/or job opportunities?
  • How can districts provide programming to meet those needs and help students graduate?

There will be content for both administrators and those who work directly with students. Plenary session by Lara Kaufmann of the National Women’s Law Center.

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Events

MOAPPP is a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed. The Coalition advocates for policies on sexuality education and access to confidential health care for minors. Here is a list of Coalition events for 2010. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.

No Coalition events in July.

Other Events

July 26-28, 2010
July 29 (graduate students only)
2010 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health: Positive Pathways to Prevent Youth Violence

St. Paul

At the 2010 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health, we will look at pathways to prevent violence using a public health lens. Grounded in the evidence, four priorities frame the institute agenda:

  • Connecting young people with adult supports and opportunities.
  • Shifting away from a culture of violence.
  • Intervening at the first sign of risk.
  • Redirecting those on a violent path.

For more information and to register, visit www.nursing.umn.edu.


August 3, 2010
Minnesota Chlamydia Partnership (MCP) Summit

Snelling Office Park
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul

This Summit, convened by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), will provide an opportunity to:

  • Call attention to the epidemic of Chlamydia in Minnesota among young people
  • Discuss and develop strategies to reduce these rates and their impact on the youth of our communities

For more information and to register, visit www.health.state.mn.us.


August 25-26, 2010
Issues in Working with Teen Parents

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., both days
National Center for Parents as Teachers
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis
NOTE: PRICE REDUCED TO $250

This two-day session is for all professionals who work with teen parents. It offers constructive insights into teen parents, their children and the issues they all face. Topics include:

  • Adolescent brain development and the developmental characteristics unique to adolescents
  • Parallel developmental needs of both teen parent and child
  • Techniques to enhance teen parents’ feelings of confidence and competence and strategies to help them transition into adulthood
  • Strategies to address the special family dynamics and multigenerational issues teen parents face
  • Strategies to facilitate father involvement
  • Parent group meetings and personal visits

Registration fee includes Parents as Teachers Issues in Working with Teen Parents 800+ page curriculum (valued at $165) and parent handouts CD for use in teen programs.

For more information and to register, download the flyer and registration form (PDF). Questions? Contact Jennifer Barshack at 612-332-7563 x305, [email protected].


iWhat? Webinar Series

Answer at Rutgers University, has announced a new training initiative that will be running from October 2010-April 2011. The iWhat? Webinar Series provides busy professionals with the most up-to-date information on youth and technology trends. The webinar will explain how technology is changing the face of adolescent sexuality, and each one hour session will cover a different topic including: social networking, internet safety, cyber-bullying and integrating technology when teaching sex ed. Click here for more information.


October 26-29, 2010
Healthy Teen Network Annual Conference

Registration is now open for Healthy Teen Network’s 31st Annual National Conference! Join Healthy Teen Network and hundreds of other adolescent health professionals for A Time of Opportunity: Engaging Communities in Supporting Healthy Youth and Young Families, October 26-29 in Austin, TX.