Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Summit

Hold the date now!!! February 14th, 2011, at the Airport Marriott from 10-2 Guilfordians will gather to look at the issue of teenage pregnancy in Guilford County. We would love to have you be present. Each person's input is critical if we as a community expect to reduce our horrendous adolescent pregnancy rate of 53 per 1000 girls ages 15-19. Three teens get pregnant every day in Guilford County. We can do much better than this - come on the 14th and help us figure out how.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. In Guilford County, we have much to prevent.
We continue to have a teen pregnancy rate that parallels the State rate and the State is the ninth worst state in the nation (53 out of every 1000 girls ages 15-19 gets pregnant in Guilford County). Each day three teenagers get pregnant
in Guilford County and these pregnancies know no ethnic boundaries - each ethnic group is vulnerable and teen pregnancy is an equal opportunity threat for all. Talk with your children about their own sexuality- don't just say "don't do it." Mom, Dad you had sex and your children know it. You still have sex. Why can't you talk with your teens about it.

A New Year

2010 brings me hope. For the first time, Action Greensboro and the business community are talking about teenage pregnancy rates. Dr. Keith Debbage, UNCG professor of urban development, indicated in the 2009 State of the City report, that adolescent pregnancy rates impact the decision of new businesses to relocate to a community. Finally, the business community acknowledges that adolescent pregnancy is a societal issue that must be addressed so that the quality of life will improve for the entire community. Let us all join together and show strength regarding this life altering yet preventable concern in our community.

Talk with the politicians from your district or region. Let's get everyone on board in addressing adolescent pregnancy rates in Guilford County.

Networking and Membership Meeting

Tomorrow, November 17th, we have the good fortune of hearing Jose Villalba from UNCG, present to us about Hispanic/Latino cultural differences. The meeting will be held in the 8th floor conference room of the Self-Help Building (122 N. Elm Street, GSO, NC). We will begin at 8:30 with breakfast and conclude somewhere around 10:15. Come join us.

A Huge Success

The 5th Annual Guilford Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Conference was a HUGE success. We had 99 persons either pre-register or register at the door. Thanks to the Thomasville PEP Group for their lunchtime skit; to James Moffat for being our videographer/photographer/blogger during the event; to the speakers and presenters who kept their participants captivated; to UNCG for both catering and hosting our event; to all the great GCAPP board members; and to all the wonderful, interactive attendees. Now we begin planning for the 6th Annual Conference.

STARS of GCAPP announced

We're announcing the winners of this year's STARS of GCAPP awards, and we had a great group of nominees to choose from.

We would like to thank everyone who was nominated and who did the nominating, since you gave us such a great crop of people to recognize at this year's annual GCAPP Conference.

Here are your award-winners, by category:

Adolescent (teen up to age of 19 who has contributed to promoting healthy lifestyles for our youth): Jasmine Davis, Teens Taking Action (Planned Parenthood)

Professional (person working in the field with our youth to promote healthy lifestyles): Dr. Bob Strack, UNCG Professor of Public Health

Volunteer (person who dedicates their time and service working with GCAPP to promote healthy lifestyles among the youth in the community): Kathy Schroetter, Beyond Academics

Essential Piece (a person who has a longstanding relationship with GCAPP who has dedicated numerous years of service to promote the organization and its mission): Annette Sentner, Guilford County Schools

STARS of GCAPP Award winners
(back, from left) Dr. Bob Strack, Kathy Schroetter, GCAPP Executive Director Linda DeShazo
(front, from left) Jasmine Davis, Annette Setner

2009 GCAPP Conference: Teen Pep performs

Lunch at the 5th Annual GCAPP Conference isn't all about the food. We're at a conference, so you've got to learn during every session, right?

Attendees at this year's conference are lucky enough to see a performance from the group Teen Pep of Thomasville High School students who are trained to talk to others about issues facing teens today. They do skits and acts about issues, including sex and pregnancy among teens.

Jim Burchel has done a great job with these students and they're really funny. If you're interested in learning more about the group, here's a link to Jim's email address.

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a snippet from their performance at the conference: