MOAPPP Seeks Interns
MOAPPP is hiring two interns for September 2008 to June 2009. For more information and an application, link to our job opportunities page.
- Information and Resource Management Intern
The primary function of this internship is to increase dissemination and use of science-based information and resources regarding adolescent reproductive health. - Adolescent Parent Intern
The primary function of this internship is to increase understanding and use of evidence-based strategies in support of adolescent parents and develop a grassroots MOAPPP network of individuals concerned with adolescent parent issues.
You are Invited to Become a 2008 Let’s Talk Month Partner!
Let’s Talk Month is only two months away! We are encouraging you to start planning now for an activity during the month of October to promote LTM’s key message that parents must be their children’s primary sexual health educators. For more information about what it means to be a LTM partner as well as how to sign up, visit our LTM page (updates coming soon) of the MOAPPP website.
Other Announcements
The Boy Show—Youth Performance Company at the Minnesota Fringe Festival
The Youth Performance Company is debuting a new play in their “coming of age” trilogy. Over the last few years, YPC has produced Goddess Menses and the Menstrual Show and The Talk—An Intercourse on Coming of Age. Now, The Boy Show completes the series. The Boy Show has two more performances during the Fringe Festival. Visit the festival webpage for show times and ticket information.
MTV Seeks Pregnant Adolescents for Upcoming Series
MTV plans to debut a series in the fall following the lives of six pregnant adolescents—focusing on what it’s like to be young and pregnant, how life changes, challenges faced, etc. MTV states that the show will neither glorify nor vilify teen moms—but rather will take an honest look at their lives during a life-changing time. MTV is looking for a diverse set of girls—various races, socioeconomic status, backgrounds, living situations, goals, boyfriend situations, family support, etc. All girls must be currently pregnant and planning to carry to term. Each girl will receive an honorarium of approximately $5,000.
If you know a girl between 15-18 who you think would be interested, please contact MTV casting producer Sandra Philippeaux at 212-654-7699 or [email protected]. At this preliminary stage, MTV prefers to be contacted by teachers, program leaders, health care providers or other adults—not the young women themselves.
Pro-Choice Resources is Accepting Proposals
PCR is seeking research proposals for focus group and survey research specific to Minnesota teachers’ perspectives on sexuality education. The application deadline is August 21, 2008. View the full RFP to learn more.
In the News
Bush Administration Developing Rule That Could Limit Access to Birth Control
Under this proposal, to receive funding under any program administered by HHS, researchers, clinics, medical schools and hospitals would have to sign “written certifications” that they will not discriminate against people who object to abortion—however it might be defined. Advocates fear that the proposal’s definition of abortion is so broad it would lead to a “cutoff” of federal funding for oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices and emergency contraception that are provided to millions of women in the U.S. through federally funded public health programs including Medicaid. In response to the this proposal, 104 Representatives sent a message calling on the President to “halt all action” on this proposed rule change. To learn more, visit www.nationalpartnership.org.
New Research
- Implementation Science: Promoting Science-based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy
Prevention - Promoting Science-based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Proactively
Engaging the Three Systems of the Interactive Systems Framework - Perceptions of Sexual Partner Safety
- Non-Coital Sexual Activities Among Adolescents
- Predictors of Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Newly Homeless Youth
- Parents Learn at Work to Talk to Teens About Sex
- Publicly Funded Family Planning Clinics Prevent 1.4 Million Unintended Pregnancies & Save $4.3 Billion in Public Funds
- Trends in HIV and STD-Related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students – United States, 1991-2007
- HIV Prevention Education and HIV-Related Policies in Secondary Schools – Selected Sites, United States, 2006
- Dimensions of Sexual Orientation and HIV-Related Risk Among Adolescent Females: Evidence From a Statewide Survey
Two recent publications detail work across the country to promote science-based approaches to teen pregnancy prevention. MOAPPP has been part of both projects described in the following journal articles:
Implementation Science: Promoting Science-based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy
Prevention
Philliber S and Nolte K
Prevention Science, July 17, 2007
Read the abstract and order the article here.
Promoting Science-based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Proactively
Engaging the Three Systems of the Interactive Systems Framework
Lesesne CA, Lewis KM, White CP, Green DC, Duffy JL, Wandersman A.
American Journal of Community Psychology, June 2008.
Read the abstract and order the article here.
Perceptions of Sexual Partner Safety
Many people who know their sexual partners well consider themselves to be at a low risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, although this may not be true. Interventions that target assumptions of safety and dispel incorrect beliefs about the selection of safe partners are needed to promote safer-sexual behavior and reduce the risk of STI transmission. An abstract of the study is available online at www.stdjournal.com.
Non-Coital Sexual Activities Among Adolescents
This study provides valuable new information on teen sexual behavior. Results show that while adolescents do not tend to engage in oral sex rather than vaginal sex to maintain their technical virginity, non-coital (oral and anal) sex is a regular part of sexual behavior for many sexually active teens. To read a summary of this research and an analysis by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, visit www.siecus.org, or read the full report.
Predictors of Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Newly Homeless Youth
In this study, the authors’ findings indicate that interventions aimed at reducing sexual risk behaviors, and thereby reducing sexually transmitted diseases and HIV among newly homeless youth, need to include helping youth find housing associated with supervision and social support (family and institutional settings) as well as aim to reduce drug use. Read the abstract of this study.
Parents Learn at Work to Talk to Teens About Sex
A new study found that a workplace training program, “Talking Parents, Healthy Teens” that involved eight weekly lunch-hour sessions with groups of about 15 people, improved parents’ ability to communicate openly with their children about sex. Read an evaluation of this program.
Publicly Funded Family Planning Clinics Prevent 1.4 Million Unintended Pregnancies & Save $4.3 Billion in Public Funds
Publicly funded family planning clinics provide contraceptive services to approximately seven million women each year. 1.4 million unintended pregnancies and 600,000 abortions are averted each year because of these services. Twenty percent of the pregnancies averted would occur among teenagers. In the absence of publicly funded services, there would be nearly 50% more teen pregnancies (or 290,000 more); these additional pregnancies would result in about 150,000 unplanned births and 100,000 abortions. “The Impact of Publicly Funded Family Planning Clinic Services on Unintended Pregnancies and Government Cost Savings,” appears in the August issue of the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.
Trends in HIV and STD-Related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students—United States, 1991-2007
This report summarizes the results of the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which indicated that, during 1991-2007, the percentage of U.S. high school students who ever had sexual intercourse decreased 12%, the percentage who had sexual intercourse with four or more persons during their lifetime decreased 20%, and the percentage who were currently sexually active decreased 7%. Among students who were currently sexually active, the prevalence of condom use increased 33%. Read more at www.cdc.gov.
HIV Prevention Education and HIV-Related Policies in Secondary Schools—Selected Sites, United States, 2006
The CDC analyzed data from the national 2006 School Health Profiles to determine the prevalence and extent of HIV prevention education and the prevalence of HIV infection policies among public secondary schools. The results of that anaysis indicated that, in 2006, the majority of secondary schools included HIV prevention in a required health education course; however, few secondary schools taught all 11 topics listed in the questionnaire related to HIV prevention. Other findings can be read at www.cdc.gov.
Dimensions of Sexual Orientation and HIV-Related Risk Among Adolescent Females: Evidence From a Statewide Survey
Researchers examined the relationship of two dimensions of sexual orientation—sexual identity and sex of partners—to identify factors that may place adolescent females at risk of HIV/AIDS. The researchers conclude that programs to prevent HIV infection among adolescent females should take into account the complexity of sexual orientation and should address the needs and behaviors of sexual-minority youths. Read the abstract of this survey.
MOAPPP Events
August 11, 2008
From Research to Practice: Designing Youth-Friendly Reproductive Health Services
1:00–5:00 p.m.
Rondo Community Outreach Library
461 North Dale Street, St. Paul
This workshop is for health educators, family planning clinic staff and youth-serving professionals. Laura Davis, Advocates for Youth, Washington, DC, reviews the latest research on adolescent contraceptive use, addresses best practices for youth-friendly reproductive health services, explores ways to expand contraceptive and condom access for underserved teens and provides information on replicable, evaluated programs. This program is offered in conjunction with the Minnesota Reproductive Health Update. For more information, see the flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or . Registration deadline is August 7.
August 12, 2008
Minnesota Reproductive Health Update
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
University of MN Continuing Education and Conference Center–St. Paul Campus
1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul
This training provides the latest information in reproductive health practice, research and technology. Specialists in the field will address a range of topics including contraceptive technologies, marketing to male clients, cultural competence, STIs in Minnesota and adolescent health. This workshop is designed for nurses, clinicians, health educators and other health care providers who are interested in current information on reproductive health issues. Both nursing and CHES continuing education contact hours will be offered for this training. Registration information is available at www.hcet.org.
September 18, 2008
Overcoming Health Barriers in Somali and East African Communities of Minnesota
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Center for Families
3333 North 4th Street, Minneapolis
A comprehensive understanding of the needs, knowledge, religious and cultural beliefs about general and sexual health is critical to improving the health and wellness of refugee youth and families in the Somali and East African communities of Minnesota. This training, led by Dr. Osman M. Ahmed, will cover health promotion and education, disease prevention, religious and economic barriers, misconceptions and facts about contraceptive use and sexual health issues. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what is needed to engage these communities, overcome barriers and provide culturally responsive services and support. For more information, see the flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19 or or [email protected]. Registration deadline is September 15.
September 24, 2008
Teen Pregnancy Prevention 101
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
American Red Cross
1301 West Saint Germain, St. Cloud
This training is intended for professionals new to the field of teen pregnancy prevention. Participants will review the basics of teen pregnancy prevention including pregnancy, STI and birth statistics; trends in teen pregnancy and sexual behaviors; basics of adolescent growth and development; risk and protective factors associated with teen pregnancy; and prevention strategies that work. Each participant will leave with a basic understanding of current research and resources in teen pregnancy prevention, what to do to promote adolescent sexual health and where to go for more information and support. For more information and to register for this training see the flyer and registration form. Registration deadline is September 17. For questions, contact Lorie Alveshere at 651-644-1447 x12 or [email protected].
October 1, 23 & 29, 2008
Relationship Matters: Promoting Secure Attachment in Young Families
Three Locations
October 1, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—Rondo Community Library, St. Paul
October 23, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—First Lutheran Church, Bemidji
October 29, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—Blue Earth Public Library, Mankato
Relationship drives many aspects of infant development, including cognitive, emotional and social development. This workshop focuses on the importance of relationship—between parents and children and between adolescent parents and the professionals who work with them—and how these relationships foster the healthy development of children. It also highlights the strengths and challenges experienced by adolescent parents and their children, and the role every provider can play in enhancing the lives of these young families.
For more information, see the flyer and event registration form. Questions? Contact Marilyn Colby Rivkin at 651-644-1447 x15 or [email protected].
October 28-29 & November 12-13, 2008
It’s That Easy! Helping Parents Learn to Raise Sexually Healthy Children
Two Locations
October 28-29, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Fergus Falls
November 12-13, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—Ramsey County Public Works, Arden Hills
Looking for tools to encourage parents/caregivers who you work with to embrace their role as the primary sexuality educator of their children? The It’s That Easy! training is designed for professionals who work with parents/caregivers of children birth to 18 and offers tools and techniques to engage parents/caregivers in developmentally appropriate approaches to raising sexually healthy children. Topics include attachment and parent-child connectedness, stages of sexual development, sharing family values on sexuality and healthy relationships, and influences of media and popular culture. Participants receive the It’s That Easy manual for implementation in their communities.
For more information, see the event flyer and registration form. For more information or questions, contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, [email protected].
Special acknowledgements to our partners for their dedication to this project: Healthy Youth Development–Prevention Research Center-U of MN, Health Start/West Side Community Health Services, Saint Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health, Sexual Violence Prevention Program-MN Dept. of Health, Teen Age Medical Service, West Suburban Teen Clinic, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota International Health Volunteers.
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 2008. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.
No Coalition Events for August 2008
Other Events
August 12–December 16, 2008
Cultural Competency Workshop Series
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood House
179 Robie Street East, St. Paul
Minnesota’s demographics have changed over the past few decades as immigrants and refugees from all over the world have settled throughout our state. The 2008 Cultural Competency Workshop Series will help you learn about these new members of our community and build your understanding of the economic and cultural benefits they bring with them. For more information, call 651-789-2571 or email [email protected].
September 22, 2008
5th Annual Women’s Health Research Conference
The 2008 conference will highlight developments in women’s reproductive health as well as research on other women’s health topics including breast cancer, mental health, cardiovascular disease and teen pregnancy. To register online, visit register.cce.umn.edu.
September 23-24 & December 2-3, 2008
Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling (1-1/2 day course)
Snelling Office Park
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul
This 1½ day workshop has been designed to improve the ability of providers in a variety of settings to support individuals in making behavior changes that will reduce their risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. It is based on a CDC developed curriculum. Cost is $25.00 and 7 CEUs are offered. To register, contact Angela Kotrba, 651-201-4031, [email protected].
October 3-November 21, 2008
Engaging Fathers in Supporting Healthy Development of Young Children
7 locations
October 3-Bemidji
October 7-Little Falls
October 10-Albert Lea
October 21-Litchfield
October 28-Metro/Twin Cities
November 7-Duluth
November 21-Alexandria
This workshop series addresses research and theory about parent-child mental health birth-to-three; mental health community support for parents; principles for engaging men as clients and colleagues; and community resources for promoting parent engagement in early childhood development. The series is offered by the Minnesota Fathers and Families Network, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, DHS Children’s Trust Fund, the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and St. Cloud State University. For more details and registration, visit www.pcamn.org.
October 15, 2008
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD)
”United We Can: HIV/AIDS Stops Here. Prevention Starts With Us” (“Unidos Podemos: Detengamos al VIH/SIDA. La Prevención Empieza Con Nosotros”) is the theme for this year’s National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Local planning efforts are under way for the observance and more information will be forwarded as details are finalized. To coordinate efforts or join the local planning committee in Minnesota, contact, Sara Khalfa, Q Health Connections, 612-238-2391, [email protected]. For more information, visit www.nlaad.org.
October 29-November 1, 2008
Healthy Teen Network’s 2008 National Conference
The 29th annual Healthy Teen Network conference will be taking place in Albuquerque, NM. This year’s conference theme is “Speaking Many Languages: Respecting Diversity, Believing in Equality.” For more information and to register online, visit www.healthyteennetwork.org.