Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 1 Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter

In this Issue:

Governor’s Summary 1 What Is STOMP? 2 Former Miss Mississippi 3

Co-Chairs’ Messages 4 S T O M P Pregnancy Prevention Task Force 6

Trends in Teen Pregnancy 7 Youth of the Year 11 Serving Teens of Mississippi Proudly State and Local Action Subcommittees 24 Advisory Committee Updates 33 Special Contributor 45 Mississippi Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force Honorary Chair 47 Planning Committee 48 Final Report (2012-2015) Recommendations 52 Proclamations 57 Connect with Us 60 Governor’s Summary When I came into office as Governor, teen birth rates These youth leaders championed the initiative across were 46 per 1,000 (ages 15 to 19 years old) in 2012. In the State of Mississippi to their peers groups, churches, January 2012, during my State of the State Address as colleges and schools and community groups to Governor, I announced that confronting and reducing influence teens to make wise choices. Mississippi’s teen pregnancy epidemic would be a top priority of my administration. Since 2012, there has The partnerships we built with the stakeholders around been a 15 percent reduction in teen pregnancy. I the state have been instrumental in our success thus far charged the Mississippi Department of Human Services and we will continue employing these efforts. and the Mississippi Department of Health to present me with an aggressive plan to address our teen pregnancy Through Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi, we have been successful in engaging communities, rate. schools, families, churches, government agencies, and Our goals were bold, but achievable. Because of the most importantly, teens to educate young people on efforts of the First Lady, churches, businesses, making decisions that will help them reach their full community organizations, schools, parents and potential and reduce at-risk behaviors. especially the youths, we are seeing a decrease in These are the challenges I took on as Governor. Mississippi’s teen birth rate. Birth rates to teens between the ages of 15-19 decreased from 65.6 births Working together we can continue to have great accomplishments in the State of Mississippi for years to per 1,000 teens in 2008 to 37 births per 1,000 teens in 2014. This is a 43.6 percent decrease. come. The past years have not been easy and our future may This is good news, and the Pregnancy Prevention Task hold continued challenges but I believe in our nation Force will continue to work toward the goals I set at the outset of my administration: and in Mississippi. By opening the doors to opportunity through an  Reduce the number of teen pregnancies, ages 8 to improved public education system, safeguarding our 19, by 15 percent by 2017. communities, and encouraging investment in sectors most likely to bring lasting economic growth, Mississippi Reduce the percentage of repeat teen births from  will rise together in the coming years and beyond. 21.4 percent to 15 percent by 2017.

 Increase the level of understanding among parents Phil Bryant and guardians about the importance of teen Governor pregnancy prevention.

 Develop peer-leader programs to positively influence students to make wise choices.

 Develop partnerships across the state to help reduce teen pregnancy. I am very proud of our Governor’s Youth Council and the spokespersons for the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Initiative, Miss Jasmine Murray, former Miss Mississippi, and Miss Alivia Roberts, Miss Tombigbee. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 2

Serving Teens of Mississippi Proudly

What is STOMP?

The title of this newsletter is very special to the teens involved in the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi program. Not only is it the title of the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi news- letter, it’s the title of an award-winning project headed up by teen Co-Chairs Kodi Wright and Alisha Sifuentes.

The Health Occupational Safety Association, (HOSA) Health Education project began with the much clunkier title “Getting in Touch with the Reality of Teenage Pregnancy.” The project was a huge success for Kodi and fellow Co-Chair Alisha and their group in their junior year, winning them second place awards in their district and state, and then third place in nationals. Editor

As the girls’ senior year rolled around, they wanted to change Dr. Nycole Campbell Lewis things up. They developed the STOMP concept, which stands for Serving Teens of Mississippi Proudly. With the help of her mom, Kodi designed the baby blue shoe, garnering support Co-Editors from fellow co-chair Alisha and Governor Bryant’s Office. Vera Butler

Nelene Ledford

Alivia Roberts Dr. Elayne Anthony

Advisory Council Thomas Norman Steve Pickering Sandra Shelson Connie Little Judge Thomas Broome Dr. Elayne Anthony Dr. Edelia Carthan Dr. Freda Bush Dr. June Gipson Candice Green

Senator Sally Doty

Special Contributor Dr. Freda Bush Andrea Kane National Conference of State Legislatures Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 3

Serving Teens of Mississippi Proudly

Former Miss Mississippi—Jasmine Murray

13 Going On 30 Named after the movie "13 Going On 30," Jasmine Murray, former Miss Mississippi 2014’s platform aimed at encouraging teens to find mentors and role models who can help them make decisions that will keep them out of trouble. Murray said she was inspired by friends who became teenage mothers when they were younger and had to put their dreams, and ultimately their childhood on hold. In Murray's opinion, growing up too fast can cause teenage pregnancy, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse and dropping out of school.

Through her motivational camps and speaking engagements, Murray has reached out to hundreds of young women on the subjects of peer pressure, bullying and making good choices. In addition to churches and civic organizations, Murray has promoted her platform at Boys and Girls Club camps, and said she'd like to see that message be one that's passed along all over the state and ultimately, the nation.

"They've been very, very welcoming to me and my platform, and I'd like to see them adopt '13 Going On 30' as a national platform, and I hope to do that at the end of my reign," she said.

A broadcast communications major, Murray said she knows she wants to continue to chase that dream long after Miss Mississippi and Miss America are past. For 2014 though, she reveled in being able to wear the crown that represents the state she's so proud to call home.

Murray is best known for her run in season eight of American Idol. She was a Top 13 finalist at age 16, as a junior at Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven. During that time, the whole state, and a large part of the south, rallied behind her and contributed to her success.

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 4

Messages from the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Co-Chairs

Mississippi Department of Human Services Richard A. Berry, Co-Chair Executive Director

The goal of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Family Foundation & Support (DFFS), is to improve the well-being of children through strengthening relationships between parents by providing effective parenting, fatherhood and relationship skills classes; and, preventing and reducing the teen pregnancy rate by providing youth development and abstinence-until marriage education classes. The division also works to improve the quality of life for separated families by providing opportunities for noncustodial parents to know and participate in their children's growth and development. DFFS was established to administer programs that connect families and youth to resources that will equip them with skills necessary to make healthy choices, and seek effective solutions to life’s many opportunities. Federal Fiscal Year 2015 programs and activities include: Families First For Mississippi Program The Families First Resource Centers provide and promote services for families and communities across Mississippi.  Positive Youth Development classes served more than 19,500 youth

 Family Life Skills classes worked with more than 8,900 parents Mississippi Access and Visitation Program (MAV-P) MAV-P supports and facilitates access and visitation for noncustodial parents. MAV-P served more than 880 parents of whom 17 percent enjoyed an increase in parenting time and 42 percent showed an increase in co-parenting visitation knowledge. Title V Abstinence Education MDHS partners with the MS Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to provide abstinence education and youth development activities for children ages 10 to 17. Youth Development Programs MDHS works with national and local organizations to provide mentoring, job preparation and other youth development activities. Organizations and activities include:  Big Brothers Big Sisters served 640 mentees and mentors.  Mississippi Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs helped more than 7,000 youth.  Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation served more than 1,600 youth and 182 parents.  Jobs for Mississippi Graduates worked with more than 1,300 youth and 179 parents.  YMCA of Memphis/Mid-South Y-CAP of Desoto, MS served 164 youth Non-Custodial Fatherhood Program Through a partnership with chancery courts, fathers who owe child support but lack the ability to pay are referred for parenting, fatherhood, job skills classes and job placement. More than 140 noncustodial parents received services through this program. Healthy Homes Mississippi Healthy Homes Mississippi (HHM) is a home visiting program that serves pregnant mothers or families with children three months or younger who: are low income families; have a history of child abuse or neglect, substance abuse, or tobacco use; have a child with a history of low student achievement; or, have a child with developmental delays or disabilities. The program provided training and aid to more than 570 Mississippi families during the year. Working together we can make a positive difference in our children’s and families’ lives. Let’s make Mississippi strong. For more information, visit www.mdhs.ms.gov or www.familiesfirstforms.org Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 5

Messages from the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Co-Chairs

The Mississippi State Department of Health is proud to be a Mississippi State Department part of Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi. The State of Health Department of Health houses several initiatives aimed at Dr. Mary Currier, Co-Chair better health outcomes for teens. State Health Officer The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) with 17,158 youth have been served to date, is a major effort from Clinic Goals: the agency to reduce teen pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections by empowering adolescents  Use research-based best practices to establish a youth friendly health clinic in Jackson. with the knowledge to make healthy choices. PREP works in collaboration with the Adolescent Health Program, Mississippi  Develop a survey tool and evaluation process to better First, and The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, PREP understand what makes a clinic “youth friendly.” works with individual school districts and community-based  Establish a learning community for health care providers on organizations to create customized interventions and best practices for making school based clinics more “youth education programs, and is currently working in 31 school friendly.” districts throughout Mississippi. PREP also provides an Adult The Perinatal High Risk Management/Infant Services Preparation Toolkit to help educators keep students focused System (PHRM/ISS) Program and engaged in learning the subject matter throughout the school year. This program works statewide with private providers, hospitals and health department clinics to provide voluntary, The Adolescent Health Program focuses on overall individualized, client and family centered case management adolescent and young adult health and well-being. An services to Medicaid eligible high risk pregnant/post partum important program focus is reducing teen and unplanned women and infants, through integrated health services carried pregnancies for young people up to age 24. Through out by a multidisciplinary team of a nurse, nutritionist, and collaboration with community and agency partners, the social worker. The PHRM/ISS Program works with the family Adolescent Health Program works to improve the quality of to help improve access to health care, provide education on healthcare offerings for young people, reduce bullying and general health, health care, nutrition and child development, interpersonal violence, and provide a positive youth reinforce compliance with appointments, and assist with development framework for all public health efforts. referrals to community programs. Statewide collaborations like Healthy Teens for a Better The goal of the PHRM/ISS Program is to help reduce the Mississippi are vital in the continuing work to improve the infant mortality rate and to help reduce the rates of low and health and wellbeing of teens in our state. Through common very low birth weight infants in Mississippi. objectives, shared focus, and joint efforts, we can all achieve positive health outcomes for young people in Mississippi. Who Is Served? Personal Responsibility Education Program PREP  Any medically high risk infant birth to 1 year old and In 2010, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) pregnant woman. received funding from the Personal Responsibility Education  The high risk infant will receive face to face case Program (PREP), financed under the Affordable Care Act and management services until the end of the first birthday administered by the Administration for Children and Families. month. The purpose of the Personal Responsibility Education Program is to carry out personal responsibility education  The high risk pregnant/post partum woman will receive programs designed to educate adolescents on both face to face case management services until the end of abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy the month in which the 60th postpartum day occurs. and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. The goal of the PREP Program is to empower adolescents with PHRM/ISS maternity patients: FY 2015 the knowledge to make safer reproductive health choices and  Number served 3,161 prevent the spread of STDs. The PREP Program works with individual school districts and community-based organizations  Number of Professional Visits received 15,566 to create customized intervention and education programs addressing the prevention of teen pregnancy and sexually PHRM/ISS infant patients: FY 2015 transmitted disease.  Number served: 2,328 Youth Friendly Services  Number of Professional Visits received: 16,776 Mid-Town Teen Wellness Center is a collaboration between MSDH (PREP & Comprehensive Reproductive Health), UMMC School of Nursing, Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State, the Women’s Fund of Mississippi, and The Advocates for Youth.

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 6

Statutory Members

The State of Mississippi Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force

Chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Senator Dean Kirby

Chairman of the House Public Health and Welfare Committee Representative Sam C. Mims, V

Chairman of the Senate Education Committee Senator Gray Tollison

Chairman of the House Education Committee Representative John L. Moore

Senate Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor Senator Nancy Adams Collins Janet Spears (Salvation Army)

Executive Director of the Department of Human Services Richard A. Berry, Co-Chair

State Health Officer of the Mississippi Department of Health Dr. Mary Currier, Co-Chair

State Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Carey Wright

Executive Director of the Division of Medicaid Dr. David Dzielak

Executive Director of the State Department of Mental Health Ms. Diana Mikula

Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Dr. Claude Brunson

Representatives Appointed by the Governor Dr. Freda Bush Senator Sally Doty

Representatives Appointed by the Speaker of the House Sarah Edwards Health Policy Advisor

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 7

National Trends in Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing

United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health

Figure 1: Declining Birth rates per 1,000 females ages 15-19, by race/ethnicity, 1990-2013

Source: Martin, J.A., Hamilton, B.E., & Ventura, S. J. (2015). Births: Final Data for 2013. Hyatts- ville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

Figure 2: Teenage birth rates for 15 – 19 year olds by state, 2013

Source: Martin, J. A., Hamilton, B. E., Ventura, S. J., & Osterman, M. J. K. S.C., & Mathews, T.J (2015). Births: Final data for 2013. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

Source: http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/reproductive-health/teen- pregnancy/trends.html Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 8

Mississippi and National Trends in Teen Pregnancy and

Childbearing

Figure 3: Teen Birth Rates by Race, Mississippi, 2012 (15-19)

Source: Mississippi Vital Records, 2012

Figure 4: Teen Birth Rates by Race, United States, 2012 (15-19)

Source: National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol 63, No. 9, 2013 Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 9

Mississippi and National Trends in Teen Pregnancy and

Childbearing

Figure 5: Mississippi Birth Rates by County 15-19 2010 - 2012

Birth Rates by County

* Girls 15-19

80 or more 70-79 60-69 2010—2012 50-59 40-49 Less than 40 9

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

Figure 6: Decline in Teen Birth Rates 1991 - 2012

6

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 10

Mississippi and National Trends in Teen Pregnancy and

Childbearing

Figure 7: Mississippi vs. United States Percent of Teen Births per 1000. Ages 15-17 and 18-19, 2011

Teen Birth Rates by Age, 2011 83.8 Mississippi U.S. Percentage of Teen Births by age, 2011 54.1 30%

26.1 70% 15.4

Births per 1,000 Girls Girls 1,000 per Births 15 to 17 18 to 19

15-17 18-19 Source: National Conference of State Legislatures Figure 8: The Cost of Teen Pregnancy

Cost of Teen Pregnancy

$60 million $28 million $16 million $9 million in lost tax public health incarceration child welfare revenue care

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 11

Youth of the Year 2014-2015: Alivia Paden Roberts

Alivia Roberts is a native of Shannon from the Pine Grove Community. She was Valedictorian of her class, Shannon High 2014.

Following admission to Mississippi State University, Alivia was elected to the Student Association Freshman Council and the Kappa Delta Sorority and selected to join the Dean’s Student Advisory Council for the College of Arts & Sciences, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Sigma Alpha Lambda. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Teresa Fields Roberts. Alivia was crowned Miss Tombigbee 2015 under the umbrella of Miss Mississippi/Miss America Scholarship Pageant and was awarded the Talent Preliminary Award and placing in the Top 10 at the 2015 Pageant. She was appointed as Governor Phil Bryant Youth Spokesperson to promote his initiative: Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi: Teenage Pregnancy Prevention.

Alivia adopted the Governor’s initiative as her Pageant’s Platform after being overwhelmed with the alarming negative teenage pregnancy statistics affecting teenagers in the state of Mississippi. Alivia decided that she wanted to make a positive impact in trying to decrease the numbers of teenage pregnancy in and out of the United States. Alivia has received the President’s award in recognition of her Outstanding Volunteer service and she holds a Congressional Gold Medal. Alivia was nominated to the United States Achievement Academy for 2013 for the National Leadership Merit Award. Alivia received President Regan’s Scholarship, the AXA Foundation Achievement Scholarship, and she received the 1st Promising Youth Award from the Mississippi Trailblazer Corporation in May of 2013. She is a member of White Hill M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend Jeffery Daniel. Governor’s Youth of the Year 2014-2015

Alivia Paden Roberts Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 12

Teens Talk

Alivia Roberts, Youth Spokesperson Youth and Youth Leaders Committee

Throughout my life, I've been taught by my parents that in ourselves, our order to promote a cause, you need to be the example for families and our that cause. First, I will share that I personally advocate native state on a abstinence to help ensure that I'm treating my body well and large scale. that I'm not putting a burden on taxpayers in my state. One I highly encourage day, we all will become full-time taxpayers and it will be wise all of my peers to to put our taxes to good use that can move our state and get involved in country forward. Secondly, I would like to share with you that activities in their I worked closely with Governor Phil Bryant and the task force school, church promoting his initiative called "Healthy Teens for a Better and/or Mississippi." community. This initiative deals primarily with using strategies to reduce I believe that teenage pregnancy in Mississippi. I presently reign as Miss volunteer service Tombigbee and I have adopted Governor Bryant's initiative helps occupy your as my pageant platform as well. It is very unfortunate to time and keeps realize that teenage pregnancy in Mississippi is one of the you connected to highest in the nation. But, because of the use of abstinence, your life's goals sex-education and social media to reach out to young people, and dreams because you learn so much about yourself teen births in Mississippi have decreased. through serving others! Although there are other methods to choose to prevent teen Lastly, I appeal to you that you honor your body by making pregnancy, there is only one sure method which is wise decisions for your health. Choose abstinence, which is a being abstinent. Practicing abstinence prevents sexually positive and strong choice for wellness. Always be true to transmitted diseases which can affect a young person's self- yourself. Don't follow the crowd. And be an independent esteem and self-confidence greatly. Life is such an thinker. Nobody knows you better than yourself! Together, extraordinary gift and having our health is like the old cliché let's make great choices. We can do it. I believe in US!!! that expresses, "Health Is Everything!" Thank you. Alivia If we honor our bodies and stay in good health, we will contribute to the emotional and financial well-being of

2014-2015 Youth Council Members and Governor Phil Bryant accompanied by former Miss Mississippi Jasmine Murray Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 13

Success Story—2012-2013 Youths of the Year

Alisha Sifuentes and Kodi Wright —2012-2013 Youths of the Year

Dakota (Kodi) Wright, Former Youth Chair Kodi Wright is enrolled as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is engaged to her high school sweetheart and plans to be married May 14, 2016.

Kodi has an academic Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for the University of Southern Mis- sissippi. She plans to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing in May, 2017. From there, Kodi plans to further her education into Anesthesia.

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 14

Success Stories—2012-2013 Youths of the Year

Olisha Adams, Alisha Sifuentes and Kodi Wright

Overcoming Adversity

Alisha Sifuentes, former Youth Co-Chair One of my best friends, Kodi Wright, and I came together to figure out ways to reduce these numbers. I share my story At the age of 15 years old my life changed tremendously. to tell other teens how hard it was and why it was such a Never did I think that I would be a mother at a young age. I struggle. didn't not except the hardships and obstacles that came with a mother. Being a teen mother was hard. I became exhausted all the time. It's more than just taking care of a baby. You have to I went through physical, mental, and emotional changes figure finances along with how to balance life and still find that changed my life forever. Everyone underestimated me time for your studies. Many ask if I regret having a baby at and my capabilities. Also I was shunned by some people of 15? I respond with I do not regret my child, but do I wish I the church. After being hurt by many people, I decided it would've waited... yes because I know 100% that I could was up to me to make a change. I graduated high school give my child everything more than I can now. with honors (I was in the top 30 of my class). The moral of my story is that everyone has problems and After high school I moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee will go through difficulties through life. It is just what you do where I went to Chattanooga State to start college. After a with your story and how you persevere through these semester, I moved back to Philadelphia to marry the man of problems. We are only on earth for a short time so take my dream (my baby's father). what you have and make a difference. I now go to East Central Community College where I am I praise God for my education, difficulties, Randy Savell (my pursuing an associates degree in Healthcare Data husband), my beautiful 4 year old (Tanner), and my family. Technology. I will graduate in the Spring of 2016. After Tanner will start kindergarten as his mommy graduates and graduating I plan to attend to Nursing School to become an moves on to nursing. He is smart and full of life. He is our registered nurse. I will hopefully finish with two degrees by world. 2018. Aside from my accomplishments, I want to help reduce the number of teen pregnancies in the state. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 15

1st Annual Teen Summit  December 6, 2012  Jackson Coliseum

Honorary Chair, First Lady Deborah Bryant, Co- Governor Bryant speaking to the teens. Chair Katelyn McNeese, Chair Kodi Wright and State Coordinator, Dr. Nycole Campbell Lewis discussing the topic of Self-Esteem with the youths.

Alisha Sifuentes and Cedric Hampton talking with teens about making wise choices and the consequences of teen pregnancy.

Youths discussing the issues girls and boys face with self-esteem.

Teens and teen moms speaking about the issues they Governor Bryant with teens from the Mississippi face as teen moms and peer pressure. Delta. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 16

2nd Annual Teen Summit 2013  Biloxi, MS

2,500 youths attended the Teen Summit sponsored by Governor Phil Bryant speaking at the summit. Representative Sonya Barnes at the Mississippi Coliseum May 10, 2013.

A breakout session at the Teen Summit in Biloxi in 2013. Youth acting out the consequences of risky behavior. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi partnering with the sororities and fraternities across the state.

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta getting real about teen Manhood and developing life skills were the focus of pregnancy. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 17

Governor’s Youth Council 2014

The Governor's Youth Council hosted the 2nd Annual Youth Health Advocacy Day at the Mississippi State Capitol on April 04, 2013.

The focus this year was to increase male involvement on the Governor's Youth Council 2013.

Katelyn McNeese, Co-Chair for Media and Social Media and Kodi Wright, Chair, Governor's Youth Council 2013.

Governor Phil Bryant's 2013-2014 Youth Council Governor's Youth Council members include more male represents 120 peer educators and the nine congressional participation to reduce and prevent teen pregnancy. districts throughout the State of Mississippi. The Honorary Chair, First Lady Deborah Bryant's vision was to expand the council statewide. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 18

Governor’s Youth Council 2015

The 12th graders listening to the presenters at the 11th grade Youth and Youth Leaders. Governor's Youth Council orientation and leadership training.

10th grade Youth and Youth Leaders. 9th grade Youth and Youth Leaders.

Teens participating in Mississippi's legislative policy- Alivia Roberts, Youth Spokesperson. making process. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 19

Governor’s Youth Council 2015

Representative John Hines, Sr., Senator Brice Wiggins Youth and Family Affairs Committee Governor Bryant speaking to speaking to the Governor's Chair, House of Representatives, is the 2013-2014 Governor's Youth Council during the speaking to the new Governor's Youth Council during the Youth Health Advocacy Day Youth Council about staying in leadership training. at the Capitol. school and achieving their goals.

Summer camp sponsored by Salvation Army, in July 2012. Governor Bryant served as the closing speaker for the Salvation Army “Why WAIT” program.

Governor Phil Bryant, Healthy Teens for A Better Mississippi, is partnering with the Junior Auxiliary 's chapters throughout the State of Mississippi. The kick-off for the partnership started in June 2013. Senator Doty was instrumental in finalizing the part- nership. The National Association of Junior Auxilia- ries, Inc., with over 45 chapters in Mississippi, has named teen pregnancy prevention as the organiza- tion's national focus. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 20

Service

Governor’s 5K Run Youth Council Volunteers June, 2015

Kodi Wright and Alisha Sifuentes - In 2014 hosting a Community Service outreach activity at the Neshoba County Fair and passing out Teen Pregnancy information to bring awareness to the problem in Public Health District VI. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 21

Youth and Youth Leaders Subcommittee

Dr. Edelia Carthan, Chair During the 2014-2015 Youth Council completed nine conference calls during the year. Each month, the Youth Council hosted conference calls to discuss issues, ideas, and activities to reduce teen pregnancy throughout Mississippi. One of the activities that was attended and discussed during these calls was the 2nd Annual Faith Based Youth and Community Conference which was held Friday, September 26, 2014. The Youth Council led a panel discussion on various topics such as bullying and the messages behind popular music, and listened to several speakers share their testimonies during the conference. Dr. Johnnetta McSwain was the guest speaker who delivered her powerful message, "Failure is not an Option." Dr. McSwain told how she overcame a broken past of Dr. Edelia Carthan, Chair sexual abuse. The Youth Council participated in the Governor's 5K Run 2012–2015. Dr. Carthan and the Youth Council served as hosts and passed out water to the participants. The Youth Council participated in a Leadership training hosted by Dr. Edelia J. Carthan. Meshonya Wren-Coleman trained the youth leaders on team building, improving their listening skills, and conflict resolution. The youth leaders learned valuable skills that will not only assist on this council but at their schools and communities. The Youth Council created a video to help educate Mississippians especially youth on the importance of reducing and preventing teen pregnancy in Mississippi. The video can be viewed on YouTube by typing Governor 5K Run in Google. This Youth Council has helped educate youth from all 82 counties on a variety of topics that affect youth in Mississippi and has been paramount in talking about abstinence education at home, at school, at church and in the community. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 22

Youth and Youth Leaders Subcommittee

Sandra Shelson, Chair This subcommittee of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force (TPP) will seek to use best practices and examine studies and data identified with successful low/no cost programs across the United States to determine their effectiveness in providing services to the at-risk population, e.g., youth in foster care and adolescent offenders. In the initial meetings of the At-Risk Youth Subcommittee, the topic of defining “at-risk” was discussed. From these discussions it was agreed that all children are at-risk; however, there are two segments of population that the subcommittee felt was more at-risk than others: children in the foster care system and those in the juvenile justice system. Officials from the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Independent Living Program and Youth Development Program, who are charged with the oversight of these children, provided information to the committee on the operations of the systems and the challenges faced. Foster Care: Sexual Abuse/Therapy: Children who are sexually abused are more likely to become sexually active as a teenager or Sandra Shelson, Chair even a younger age. There are treatments offered for sexual abuse victims that include counseling and assistance with mental health issues. However, the length mostly uneducated messages, within their groups. Consistent of the treatments varies and is determined by the court messaging within schools, foster homes, homes, peer system. An abused child in foster care will not be placed groups, etc., needs to be established. back into a home where the abuser was the parent or Other: Lack of activities leads to teen pregnancy in the guardian. Sexually abused victims are more likely to also foster care system. The example given was that if a child is become offenders because the abuse is seen as love in put into the system for whatever reason, they are taken their minds and this is all they know. The courts also set from their community where they were comfortable and goals and timelines for treatment. This was explained as may have been participating in extracurricular activities microwave therapy. If the timeline for the therapy is expired, such as soccer, baseball, piano, etc. The system may not then the therapy ceases. The recidivism back into the offer the same type, if any activities and idle minds become system is high because the children are not meeting the the devil’s playground. The courts are dictating what type of goals set by the courts and have to start the program over. relationship, if any, can exist between the foster parents Also, private insurance usually only provides for fifteen days and biological parents of those in foster care. When it can of therapy, while Medicaid patients are provided payment exist, MDHS is trying to work with those relationships to based on what the treatment is. make the transition back into the biological home easier Curriculum: There is no particular curriculum used in and cause less stress on the child. the foster care system. Both abstinence and abstinence Employee questioning and research may not be as plus are used in the foster care system. Recently they have thorough as it should be which leads to child(ren) not also implemented CBAY, a federally funded curriculum getting the specific attention they may need. which promotes abstinence and relationship building. Pre- and Post-tests are administered to the children in foster Juvenile Justice System: care. According to the results of the testing, the programs are successful. However, the actual results (how many teen A. The biggest issue in the juvenile justice system is that parents there are in the system) does not reflect the test there is no parent involvement with the counseling. The scores. There is also a health nurse that is available for the parents feel like they aren’t the ones on probation and children to speak about real life scenarios and share should not have to participate in their child’s information. “punishment.” Messaging: One interesting topic to come out of the B. There are more kids in the system that need counseling meeting is the fact that messaging is different. There are than there are money and space for them. different messages shared in foster homes than what is C. Programs are needed that mirror the program in Holmes presented at schools. County with Helen Ready Johnson. She teaches girls To further muddy the water, peer groups have different, self-esteem and not to be sexually active. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 23

Youth and Youth Leaders Subcommittee continued

General: A couple of other initiatives that could impact the work of this subcommittee include the Jim Casey Foundation. The It is difficult getting kids in the juvenile justice and foster work they are doing in Mississippi centers on the older child care systems seen by mental health professionals because in foster care. they are not “cute and cuddly” kids. These are kids with real issues. Issues that many people do not like facing. In addition, the Governor’s Task Force on Sex Trafficking and the Sex Trafficking Act may directly impact the teen  There is overlap in the systems. pregnancy rates of these two populations of at-risk youth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,  The committee members feel like an impact needs to Administration for Children and Families now requires there be made at the elementary school age level. be a report on children in foster care who are pregnant or parenting. This will be helpful to MDHS and all social  Parents are not monitoring the media that their kids are service providers to get an accurate count of the number of watching and have access to. foster children who are themselves, parents. One of the items that the committee felt would be useful There is a lot of continued work that needs to be done in was for a survey of the members of the TPP Task Force to the area of at-risk youth and teen pregnancy prevention. be developed and conducted. The TPP Task Force There is a need for coordination of the governmental members represent some of the most knowledgeable services available to these youth, especially between the people in the state with respect to the topic of teen school districts, medical providers, the foster care and pregnancy and the best ways to prevent it. juvenile justice systems to ensure that there are not mixed The At-Risk Subcommittee worked closely with the messages being provided and that these at-risk youth Evaluation Subcommittee to create the survey which survey receive adequate and long term therapy for those who have was conducted over several meetings of the TPP Task been abused. Force.

In an effort to better understand some of the challenges faced, we invited Sue and Chris Cherney to speak to our subcommittee, and later to the TPP Task Force as a whole. The Cherneys have more than 50 years of experience in the area of working with foster children and children who have been in the juvenile justice system. They recommended that the kids receive consistent, pertinent sex education information reflective of the reality for them.

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 24

Committee Update: State and Local Action Subcommittee

Senator Sally Doty, Chair Senator Sally Doty is a Republican from Brookhaven, Mississippi, representing District 39 which currently includes all of Lincoln and Lawrence counties as well as a portion of Simpson county. Doty was elected in 2011 and has now completed two sessions in the Mississippi Legislature. In the senate, Doty serves as Vice-Chair of both Judiciary A and the Public Property Committee. She also serves on Finance (Secretary), Judiciary B, Economic Development, Business & Financial institutions and Drug Policy. Senator Doty is an attorney, having practiced law in Jackson and Brookhaven for many years. She received the Juris Doctorate degree, with distinction, from Mississippi College School of Law in 1991 where she later joined the faculty as the Director of Legal Writing. Doty graduated from Mississippi University for Women in 1988 where she was a Centennial Scholar and elected Student Body President. Senator Doty is the proud mother of Ellen, Sarah, and Ben Doty, all students in the Brookhaven Public School System. She is an active member of First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven, a past president and life member of Junior Auxiliary, and a host parent for the Mississippi School of the Arts. Senator Doty was the General Coordinator of the Kids Kingdom playground build-out in Brookhaven, and more recently, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the “O” Foundation in Brookhaven for her efforts to combat obesity in Lincoln County. Senator Doty was appointed to Governor Bryant’s Task Force for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy, and serves as the Chair of the State and Local Action Committee. The State and Local Action Committee is charged with developing a coalition of state, community and faith- based organization and individuals to bring attention to and garner support for the reduction of teen pregnancy in Mississippi. Due to the broad nature of this committee, responsibilities are divided into three separate areas:

 Faith-based

 Community-based

 Educational-based groups, schools and or other groups involved with education

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 25

Education Committee

Mississippi Teen Pregnancy Task Force Final Report – Mississippi Department of Education

Since the passing of House Bill 999, the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Healthy Schools has provided the following technical assistance to school districts: a) Completed review process for approval of curricula to be used in the instruction of sex-related education in the state (see listing included in this report) a. Review panel consisted of a diverse group of school and health professionals. b. Worked with vendors responding to the RFP to meet MS state law requirements b) Developed and provided sample implementation plans for schools to use as they prepared policies and planned for instruction c) Gave presentations relating to House Bill 999 – MS Code 37-13-171 as requested Scott Clements, Co-Chair d) Provided technical assistance concerning the The 2014-2015 survey is presently being conducted with implementation of sex-related instruction in schools results expected prior to the beginning of school year 2015- 2016. e) Compiled a listing of school districts, their policy choice, their curriculum choice and the grade(s) where Other educational efforts relating to teen pregnancy implementation would take place prevention conducted by the Mississippi Department of Education include: f) Provided on-line resources on the Office of Healthy Schools website The Office of Healthy Schools receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control Division of Adolescent g) Monitored districts to check for follow-through on Health to help districts and schools deliver exemplary implementation plans – (1/3 of all school districts are sexual health education emphasizing HIV and other STD monitored every three years) prevention (ESHE); increase adolescent access to key Data collection was taken in June of 2014 to check for sexual health services (SHS); and establish safe and implementation in school year 2013-2014 with the following supportive environments for students and staff (SSE). results being noted: In addition, funding is provided to help districts and schools  65 districts reported that they had chosen an abstinence- implement policies, including laws, regulations, procedures, plus policy and there was instruction being provided in administrative actions, incentives, or voluntary practices of grades 5-12 across the state. governments and other institutions, related to HIV/STD prevention.  Names of curricula used for instruction: Choosing the Contemporary Health is the state approved curriculum Best, Draw the Line/Respect the Line, Reducing the Risk, for health education. In Contemporary Health (9-12) there HealthTeacher.com, Making a Difference, WAIT are content units that focus on the prevention of teen  82 districts reported that they had chosen an abstinence- pregnancy. These include: only policy and there was instruction being provided in Unit 1: Personal and Consumer Health; grades 5-12 across the state. Unit 3: Social and Family Health;  Names of curricula used for instruction: Choosing the Unit 4: Human Growth and Development; Best, WAIT, Making a Difference, Rise to Your Dreams, Unit 5: Disease Prevention and Control; and Aim for Success, Game Plan Unit 7: Substance Abuse and Prevention.  Four districts reported that there was no implementation This ½ Carnegie Unit course is required for graduation and is completed during school year 2013-2014, due to typically taught during the 9th grade year of school. changes in school administration and lack of understanding concerning the requirements. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 26

Education Committee continued

Education Committee page 2 Family Dynamics is an elective course under the Career and Technical Education umbrella that is Contemporary Health (grades 6-8) includes a focus on mandated to be offered in all high schools in the state. topics that relate to the prevention of teen pregnancy that Family Dynamics is a course that develops skills related to include: refusal skills, positive and negative peer pressure, personal, family, and social issues. It includes instruction disease prevention, physical, social, and emotional/mental in dimensions of adolescent development, family decisions changes that occur during adolescence, reducing risky and responsibilities, social decisions and responsibilities, behaviors and HELP skills. and management of family systems in today’s society. This Both Contemporary Health (K-8) and Contemporary Health course is offered in grades 9-12 and is a ½ Carnegie Unit (9-12) can be found on the Office of Healthy Schools course. website at http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/ohs/home under The Family Dynamics curriculum can be found at http:// “What’s New.” www.mde.k12.ms.us/OTCE/PA/family-and-consumer- sciences .

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 27

Town Hall Meetings

Town Hall Meetings

Ivie Pulliam, Co-Chair Mississippi Economic Council partnered with Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi to conduct seven Community Town Hall meetings located in nine public health districts.

The main focus of this subcommittee group has been a series of “Town Hall” style meetings throughout the state designed to inform local leaders of pregnancy statistics in their region and solicit ideas and support.

The kickoff meeting was held in Jackson in September 2012 followed by meetings in: Lexington (Delta region) in October 2012, Brookhaven (Southwest) in late November 2012, and Hattiesburg (South) in May 2013. All meetings were extremely well-attended and received extensive media coverage by local print and television. Maggie West and Ivie Pulliam Co–Chair

Each meeting followed a similar format: remarks by the Governor, and a portion of “Premature Parenthood” (a documentary produced by Mississippi Public Broadcasting). Then the audience is led through a series of questions with results are immediately transmitted and compiled using handheld “clicker” technology supplied by the Mississippi Economic Council. From these meetings, volunteers are encouraged to attend the Community Health Advocate training available from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

We hosted the fifth town hall meeting in Tupelo, MS. We had 200 local community people presenting in the town hall meeting. The sixth town hall meeting was held in Biloxi, MS with a partnership with the Salvation Army. The attendance for this event was 200 community people.

We kicked off the seventh Town Hall meeting entitled: Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives on college campuses.

Gulf Coast Community College hosted the College’s Initiative. The event was attended by 100 students and faculty, staff and administrators. The Governor was the guest speaker and along with Dr. Freda Bush, Medical Janet Spears, Salvation Army, Family Advisory Chair. Matters Co-Chair Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 28

Town Hall Meetings

Community Town Hall meeting was held in Jackson with 200 people attending.

Governor Phil Bryant speaking at the Community Town Hall meeting held in Lexington, Mississippi in October 17. 2012. The coordinators of the event were Alderman Barbara Booth, Senator David Jor- dan, Judge Janice Goree and Representative Bry- ant Clark.

Honorary Chair First Lady Deborah Bryant, attended the Community Town Hall meeting in Hattiesburg May 2013.

A Community Town Hall meeting was held in Brookhaven November 27, 2012. Senator Sally Doty was the hostess for the event with more than 100 local residents attending.

Representative Becky Currie was a special guest at the Hattiesburg Community Town Hall meeting. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 29

Town Hall Meetings

Tupelo town hall meeting was held August, 20, 2013 at the First Baptist Church.

Governor Bryant speaking at the Town Hall event.

Governor Bryant congratulating Alivia Roberts

Governor’s “Call to Action” in the Daily Journal.

Alivia Roberts speaks at the Tupelo Town Hall Meeting.

State Coordinator, Dr. Nycole Campbell-Lewis and Alivia Roberts, Youth Spokesperson. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 30

Community Health Training

Governor Phil Bryant speaking at the Dr. Claude Brunson, vice-chancellor kick-off of the first Community Health of the University of Mississippi Advocate training. The purpose of the Medical Center, welcomed the training is to train new community participants to the first kick-off of the More than 100 participants ambassadors representing Public Community Health Advocate Training attended the first Community Health District 5 to educate the held at the Jackson Medical Mall. Health Advocate training held community about reducing and in Jackson. preventing teen pregnancy and other health related issues.

Community Health Advocate Training held by UMMC and Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi, February, 2013-2014.

Michael Jones, Chief Community Health Officer, Office of the Vice Chancellor, UMMC was instrumental in finalizing the Lexington Mayor Robin M. McCrory, agreement and partnership between shared the good news that she has UMMC and Healthy Teens for a developed a Mayor’s Youth Council Better Mississippi. during Community Health Advocate Training. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 31

Faith-Based Subcommittee

Faith-Based Subcommittee:

Captain Kenneth Chapman, 2015 Chair (current). Former Co-Chairs: Pastor Jeremiah Robinson and Tracie Wade (2014-2015). Former Co-Chairs: Connie Thompson and Pastor Thaddeus Williams (2012-2014) This extremely active subcommittee meets every second Monday of the month. The group has increased participation in the subcommittee, bringing in new and diverse members and hosts weekly prayer conference calls to support members. Members have supported Task Force events such as the Governor’s meeting with denominational leaders, Community Health Advocate Training, seven Town Hall Governor Bryant and Honorary Chair First Lady Meetings, the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Deborah Bryant passed out pledge tokens to the (HTBM) youth summits, and the Truth in Action Faith youths to abstain from sex before marriage. based community at the Salvation Army.

The committee developed a survey to be distributed to pastor of Crossroads International House of Worship, was churches to assess efforts towards educating youth and asked to serve as the committee chair. teens regarding teen pregnancy prevention. The goal is to use best practices and to expand with options for all MJCC completed the 2:10 PROJECT in February 2014. denominations and/or youth organizations. Facilitating the seven session study was Johnny Ervin, a church planter with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. As THE METRO JACKSON CHRISTIAN COALITION- MJCC a result of this study, several individuals identified their Most of the founding participants were involved with the calling into new areas of ministry. Governor’s Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Taskforce, Strategic plans are now underway to begin the mapping HEALTHY TEENS FOR A BETTER MISSISSIPPI Faith process. Our hope is that through the discovery of our Based Coalition. The consulting organization to the Faith unique gifts in the Body of Christ, we are better equipped Based Coalition, Truth in Action Ministries, challenged the for our calling to do good works for the glory of God. group at its April 2013 meeting to consider forming a local Historical Overview coalition to address the spiritual and social issues facing the Metro area and sustainability purposes, thus a new The Metro Jackson Christian Coalition (MJCC) was formed in June 2013. Our vision is to bring members of the Metro coalition, MJCC, was formed. Initially, Larry McAdoo was Jackson area together who desire to see transformational selected as its Chair and Sharon Green as Vice-Chair. change based on Biblical principles; developing the Body Through prayer and consulting with Truth in Action of Christ to continue the work of Jesus in our community, Ministries, now known as Alliance Ministries, MJCC began utilizing the gifts and talents He has given us. to explore two methods of equipping the local Body of Our Mission is to advance strategic collaboration for the Christ: Missional Analysis of People Places Interests spiritual and social well-being of the Metropolitan Jackson Needs and Godliness (MAPPING) developed by Reverend community for the glory of God. Chris McNairy, a pastor and founder of the Urban Fusion

Network. (www.urbanfusionnetwork.com) THE 2:10 PROJECT, DISCOVERING YOUR PLACE IN GOD’S STORY was created by Marc Fey, Don Ankenbrandt and Frank Johnson. The 2:10 PROJECT, along with its online assessments, is based on Ephesians 2:10 and published by Alliance Ministries. (www.210project.com) After extensive consultation with other individuals and organizations both local and regional who were experienced with community mapping, members of MJCC made the decision to begin a strategic plan to map the Top of Founder as its initial MAPPING project. Joe Jackson, 2015 Chair Captain Kenneth Chapman with the summer camp sponsored by Salvation Army. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 32

Faith-Based Summit

Summit Registration Team - Dinne Ensley and Governor Bryant speaking at the Faith-Based Mablean Robinson, State and Local Action Faith- Summit. Based Subcommittee Members.

Coordinator of the Faith-Based Summit Carmen Pate, a partnership among Mission Mississippi, Healthy Governor Bryant meets the pre-teens and Teens for a Better Mississippi and Truth in Action teens before speaking at teen summit. Ministries.

Chair Kodi Wright and Colt Kilpatrick, both Rhonda Lampkin, lobbyist for the Partnership for members of the Governor's Youth Council, the Healthy Mississippi, is a member of the State participated in the Governor's Faith-Based and Local Action Committee. Summit. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 33

Advisory Committees Updates

Family Matters

Thomas Norman, Chair Janet Spears, Co-Chair The Family Matters Committee met to blend our thoughts and observations toward our recommendations to go forward with the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force concerning Family Matters.

We engaged the civic, church and school groups to take the lead to address Teen Pregnancy Prevention – some have Thomas Norman, Chair organized gatherings on their own – but not to the capacity that is needed to address the problem and to see the larger entities and areas that they helped create or continue an decline in teen pregnancy that we would hope for. active participation toward Teen Pregnancy Prevention It is first and foremost our concern that we must as a state gatherings. have the adequate components such as funding for a staff 3. The reach would be diverse and work to engage as group to create the constant for program leaders that are many family (mother/daughter – Father/son – Teen to focused directly toward the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Teen) gatherings as possible throughout the state of initiative. Mississippi. This core staff would be responsible for This Team would have the training, tools and materials to pulling civic, churches and educational groups together properly educate any volunteer groups in civic, churches or in their own respective area to conduct their program as school gatherings so they could actively guide & teach those they individually design it but would stand as a support willing to lead sex education classes at their discretion. group to aid and assist. All groups would have the benefit of an established and trained team to assist We believe in the Family Matters Committee that it is them. unrealistic to assume that there are enough people in Mississippi that are willing to volunteer to teach sex education 4. The Family Matters Committee recommends that on their own. support funding continue to be made available to the programs that are already established that teach It is the recommendation of the Family Matters committee that parents and teens about sex education that they may the Teen Pregnancy Problem in Mississippi be treated as the adequately serve our target population. Example, such epidemic that it is and that the resources that are needed be groups as Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Jobs for found to combat this major problem for our state. Graduates, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Operation Our state pours millions of dollars annually into the problem Shoestring, the Salvation Army, etc. that many teen pregnancies cause, but very little funding into Substantial funding MUST be found from shared budgets working toward the solution. that are affected by Teen Pregnancy and appropriated Recommendation: toward adequate support of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program and its leadership Team. 1. Adequate funding be made available to hire not only a director but to have four area coordinators to work across A consistent Teen Pregnancy the state to identify civic organizations, churches and Prevention Program which includes schools that may need help in the implementation of sex education, youth services, teaching health and sex education. This would be an community based interventions and accountable core focus staff that would have the main wise youth decision-making are the task of prepping and assisting in the teaching and keys to combat this epidemic in our training of leaders in areas that have the ability to reach state. our teen sectors.

2. The team would document and compile statistics from Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 34

Committee Updates

Education and Career Choices

Steve Pickering, Chair The Education and Career Choices efforts this year have included:

 Two Roundtable discussion events.

 Community Health Fairs.

 Media events.

 Speaking engagements.

 Families First for Mississippi (serves all 82 Counties in Mississippi).

 More than 19,700 unduplicated youth encounters across the state. Steve Pickering, Chair  Over 5,300 unduplicated adult encounters across the state.  May was proclaimed Teen Pregnancy Prevention  Quarterly Community Coalition Meetings in each Region. Month. Families First distributed the Governor’s Proclamation across the State through its network of  Each coalition is made up of local community partners. By the end of May, every MDHS office that members and partners. Coalition meetings Families First reaches had a Governors Proclamation provide opportunity for networking, discussion of displayed. Each region completed or is planning an needs within the communities and opportunity event to promote Teen Pregnancy Prevention month. for organizations and partners to formulate a plan  June 2015, was proclaimed Responsible Fatherhood Month. Keep an eye out for Families First and  Fatherhood Program – More than 100 males are Mississippi Community Education Center activities engaged in these programs. supporting appropriate male engagement and responsible fatherhood.  Parenting

 Soft Skills

 Employability

 Job Search

 Families First trainers as mentors

 Fatherhood Program has expanded to the Coast in Jackson and Harrison Counties. We look for similar success in the coming months as the program grows. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 35

Advisory Committee Updates

Medical Advisory

Dr. Freda Bush, Chair To align with the Teenage Pregnancy Task Force’s mission statement, the Medical Advisory Subcommittee has outlined a list of recommendations that seek to take a proactive approach to address the issue of teenage pregnancy. This report will provide evidence based research to address teenage pregnancy on primary (risk avoidance), secondary (risk reduction), and tertiary (influencing the community) prevention levels. Primary Prevention  Remain abstinent until marriage.

 Research shows that beginning sexual activity at a later age reduces the risk that a teenager Dr. Freda Bush, Chair (standing) and Patti Marshall, Legal will experience a non-marital pregnancy and Committee Co-Chair. non-marital birth.  Both events pose a significant physical health challenge for adolescent girls, not to mention Sample abstinence programs used in the U.S. that incorporate the physical demands that are required to raise healthy relationship teaching include: a child once it is born.  Dating Matters (Alameda, California). Delay sexual debut.   FACTS (Family Accountability Communicating  Youth who abstain from sexual activity avoid Teen Sexuality). the consequences that directly result from a  SOS (Strengthening Our Students). non-marital pregnancy, as well as the potential lifelong implications of STDs.  Teen Aid Family Education Project (6 states including Mississippi).  Adolescents who engage in sex at young ages routinely experience emotional turmoil, and  Operation Keepsake (Cleveland, Ohio). they often fall into a trap of seeking love through sex, even if that sexual experience is  Avoid Alcohol and Drugs.

not positive.  Research shows that youth identifying with substance  Adolescents who experience early sexual debut problems are more likely to engage in risky sexual are more likely to engage in intercourse with behaviors that often persist as long as the substance casual partners, and the resulting encounters abuse is present. are often based on desire or physical attraction.  According to research, girls who mature early are more Focus on healthy relationships likely to engage in early substance use and sexual  Healthy teen relationships should focus on preventing intercourse which puts them at a greater risk for adolescent pregnancy. abuse by determining whether or not the relationships they are in promote respect, individuality, equality,  Adolescents receiving less parental monitoring were more safety, honesty, and good communication. likely to have a history of marijuana and alcohol use, test  Parents can influence healthy relationships by being positive for an STI, have multiple sex partners, and have an absence of contraception use during sexual proactive in talking to their teens about abstinence. intercourse.  Parents should use teachable moments to identify what  According to a Study by the School of Public Health is healthy, signs of dating abuse, and dealing with peer Boston University, the greatest risk for STIs and pressure and rejection. unwanted pregnancy is the increased likelihood of having  Help teens understand that their online behavior is public sex after drinking or drug use. and permanent; establish boundaries and expectations  Risk reduction education should be integrated into regarding social media. adolescent substance abuse treatment. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 36

Advisory Committee Updates

Medical Advisory page 2  Convince teens to participate in extracurricular activities and ensure those activities are availa- ble at no to little cost and accessible. Secondary Prevention  Offer mentoring programs and encourage  Limit Partners: teens to develop significant relationships that  One research study found that contemporary will provide a sense of fulfillment. students (students from 2002-2010) were more  Parents and guardians should monitor the me- likely to have had sex with casual dates or pick dia influences of their teens. -ups than the earlier demographics (students  There should be less readily available inappro- from 1988-1996). priate content on prime time television and  Casual sex is more likely to harm the female more wholesome entertainment for the entire psyche than the male, as it may alter a girl’s family. social context and induce stress by changing  Petition media to promote “Sex Can Wait” and her self-perception. to focus on dreams.  Brief sexual encounters often fail to meet the needs of the female, leaving a deep emotional void.  Return to sexual abstinence with behavior modification theory model (like used for smoking cessation).  Focus on healthy relationships (see primary prevention).  Avoid alcohol and drugs (see primary preven- tion).

Tertiary Prevention  Educate the culture to provide teens with an environ- ment that contributes to their health and ultimate well- being.  Influence the media to combat the messages that casu- al sex is good and instead influence teens to choose nonsexual activities as realistic and desirable to help them achieve their hopes and dreams.

Research conducted by the RAND Survey Research found that:  Teens who watch a lot of television with sexual content are more likely to initiate sexual inter- course.  Frequent exposure to sexual content was as- sociated with a greater likelihood in the follow- ing three years. Dr. Freda Bush, Chair  Portraying risks of sex in television shows ap- pears to help educate teens about the potential consequences of sexual behavior.  A related study of the effects of music found that heavy exposure to sexually degrading lyrics predicts accelerated initiation of sexual intercourse and other sexual activities.  We should stop supporting media that puts a large emphasis on sex.

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 37

Advisory Committee Updates

Legal Advisory

Judge Thomas H. (Tom) Broome, Chair 8. Parent Representation – The Administrative Office of Courts and Casey Family Programs are working with Over this past year, the Legal Committee has been focused the Mississippi Council of Youth Court Judges to on a number of initiatives that are intended to help prevent formulate an expansion of the five pilot sites for teenage pregnancy through what may be considered non- representation in youth court of parents of children who traditional means. The multi-faceted approach is an effort to are at risk of being removed from home for abuse and strengthen children and families to minimize the occurrences neglect allegations. of abuse and neglect, delinquency, domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as provide access to services in 9. Jurist In Residence – The Chief Justice and the the judicial, mental health and substance recovery systems. Supreme Court have created, with the assistance of Casey Family Programs, a Jurist In Residence position 1. Human Trafficking Task Force – The Governor which will allow the promotion of better court practices proclaimed and established by Executive Order No. throughout the youth court judiciary. 1349 on September 1, 2014, the Governor’s Task Force on Human Trafficking which is a multi- 10. Permanency Round Tables – The Mississippi disciplinary effort to produce a report by July 1, 2015, Department of Human Services has worked with Casey of findings and final recommendations for action. Family Programs to develop permanency roundtables to minimize the entry into and to minimize the time of 2. Uniform Youth and County Court System – A model children in foster care. expansion of the County Court system was proposed during this legislative session so that a statewide 11. Higher Education Efforts – The Legal Committee has uniform youth court system would be established to offered assistance in the promotion of courses and promote better family practices and help establish orientations to incorporate facts about unplanned community-based services. pregnancy in academic and mentoring programs. 3. Domestic Violence Task Force – The ongoing efforts By strengthening the core values of children and families in of the Domestic Violence Task Force have been the above programs, the Legal Committee believes that it supported to strengthen the protections for children will create a competency among the citizens of the state and families. which will help prevent teenage pregnancies. 4. Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative – The JDAI Statewide Task Force developed and presented to the Legislature a statewide system of detention alternatives to promote connection between children and the community, and also the Task Force created and recommended minimum licensing standards for juvenile detention centers around the State. 5. Trauma Informed Recovery – The Mississippi Department of Mental Health has worked to develop and promote services for trauma informed recovery for children and families. 6. Medicaid MYPAC Services – Mississippi Youth Program Around the Clock has continued to provide in- home, community based mental health care for those children on Medicaid who otherwise would be referred to a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF). 7. Mandatory Abuse & Neglect Reporting – The State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright, has Honorable Judge Thomas H. (Tom) Broome, Chair helped to promote the mandatory reporting of abuse and neglect by sending correspondence to all school districts in the state and distributing posters which reflect the department’s position that it is education personnel’s responsibility to report these incidents to the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 38

Advisory Committee Updates

Public Policy

Dr. June Gipson, Chair

Monitored the following bills during the 2013 Legislative ses- sion:

HB 151—Child Protection Act, Revised which requires manda- tory reporting of sex crimes against minors and provides for the mandatory filing of charges by law enforcement on behalf of a sex crime against a minor when probable cause exists.

Dr. June Gipson, Chair, MSDH

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 39

Advisory Committee Updates

Teen and Teen Parents

Connie Little, Chair Teens and teen parents focus groups were conducted in all nine Public Health Districts in the state and partnered with teen groups, high school sports teams and youth organizations.

The Teen Parent Resources Subcommittee of the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Task Force conducted a study to identify resources for teen parents and their children in their local community and targeted teenagers ages 13 to 19.

The goal of the study was to improve the well-being and livelihood of teens, teen parents and their children by identifying the available and non-available resources that are deemed necessary for the success of teens.

This study aimed to provide an increase in the appropriate resources for teen parents and their children within their own Connie Little, Chair community. It is anticipated that more appropriate resources will become available that will aid in ensuring that teen parents and their children will have access to a better quality of life.

Mrs. Bryant and the Governor’s Youth Council members discussing self-esteem and peer pressure issues.

Alisha Sifuentes giving her testimonial as a Youth Council members discussing youth teen mom. related issues. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 40

Advisory Committee Updates

Research and Evaluation

Candice Green, Chair

Lamees El-sadek, Co-Chair

The Research and Evaluation Subcommittee reviewed and approved the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Volunteer Survey which was developed by the Mississippi

Faith Based Subcommittee.

The Research and Evaluation Subcommittee also reviewed and approved the Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Intervention Questionnaire, which was developed by the

Youth Development and At-Risk Youth Subcommittee.

Candice Green, Chair The Research and Evaluation Subcommittee worked with the Teens and Teen Parents Resource Subcommittee to get IRB approval to do several focus groups throughout the state. The groups determined what resources or lack of Financial assistance, mental health support and educational resources teen parents have in their community. opportunities were cited as the least-available resources to teen parents and their children Of the 50 surveys distributed to teens, 34 were completed which helped the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention  31 percent use their parents’ vehicle. Taskforce assess local resources available to teenagers and teenage parents.  24 percent use public transportation. The following are their findings:  21 percent use a personal vehicle for transportation.

Demographics:  71.9 percent indicated that childcare was available for children of teen parents while they attended school or  30 were female and four were male. work.  26 were between ages 13 to15.  33.4 percent of respondents indicated a need for educational, trade skills training programs and other  6 were between 10 to12 years of age. work force resources in their communities.  28 were from Jackson and one was from Byram.  Only one was a parent at the time of the survey. Marital Status: 31 respondents reported being single. Educational Status: 97 percent were students at the time of the survey. Employment Status: 94 percent of the teenagers reported being employed at the time of enrollment. Resource Availability:  58.9 percent indicated that there are resources available in their communities that provide assistance to teen parents and their children.  34.5 percent indicated insufficient resources to meet the needs of teenagers and their children. Lamees El-sadek, Co-Chair  Daycare and health care were the most oft-cited resources the teens indicated were available to teen parents and their children. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 41

Advisory Committee Updates

Media Advisory

Dr. Elayne Anthony, Chair Yolanda McElroy, Co-Chair

Media Committee Activities:  Press Releases for the Community Town Hall meetings.

 Proclamations issued to local community organizations, state agencies, faith-based institutions and business leaders.  Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi website was developed and updated.  Facebook, Twitter and Group Chat were developed for interaction with the public and local youth groups.  General brochures and updated fact sheets were developed. Dr. Elayne Anthony, Chair  Conference boards, flyers, invitations and other materials were developed. Media Advisories, Email and Mobile Blasts were released for these special events:

 2014 Youth Conference.

 Community Town Hall Meetings.

 Mississippi Prevention Plan for College Students.

Yolanda McElroy served as the Co-Chair for the 2014 Youth Conference. Youth conferences have been held at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, the Church of God in Christ and the Church of Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ.

Former Media Chair, Julia Bryan, developed the boards, flyers and fact sheets and invitations. Former Media Chair, Jenny Wilburn of Mississippi Public Broadcasting developed the Premature Parenthood Video with sponsorships from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Mississippi Department of Health and other public and private partnerships. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 42

Legislative Updates

HOUSE BILL NO. 999 (As Sent to Governor)

1 AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-171, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, 2 TO REQUIRE EACH LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TO ADOPT A SEX-RELATED 3 EDUCATION POLICY TO IMPLEMENT ABSTINENCE-ONLY OR ABSTINENCE-PLUS 4 EDUCATION INTO ITS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT'S CURRICULUM BY JUNE 30, 5 2012, OR TO REQUIRE THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TO ADOPT THE PROGRAM 6 DEVELOPED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE 7 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO APPROVE 8 EACH DISTRICT'S CURRICULUM FOR SEX-RELATED EDUCATION AND ESTABLISH 9 A PROTOCOL TO BE USED BY DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE CONTINUITY IN 10 TEACHING THE APPROVED CURRICULUM; TO PROVIDE THAT INSTRUCTION IN 11 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IMPLEMENTING ABSTINENCE-PLUS EDUCATION INTO THE 12 CURRICULUM MAY BE EXPANDED BEYOND THE INSTRUCTION FOR 13 ABSTINENCE-ONLY EDUCATION WITHIN PARAMETERS APPROVED BY THE 14 DEPARTMENT; TO DEFINE ABSTINENCE-PLUS EDUCATION; TO REMOVE THE

15 AUTHORITY GIVEN TO LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF 16 TEACHING SEX EDUCATION WITHOUT ANY INSTRUCTION ON ABSTINENCE; TO 17 PROHIBIT ANY TEACHING THAT ABORTION CAN BE USED TO PREVENT THE 18 BIRTH OF A BABY; TO REQUIRE BOYS AND GIRLS TO BE SEPARATED INTO 19 DIFFERENT CLASSES BY GENDER AT ALL TIMES WHEN SEX-RELATED

20 EDUCATION IS DISCUSSED OR TAUGHT; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF 21 HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO DEVELOP CERTAIN 22 PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES PROMOTING PREGNANCY PREVENTION AND 23 PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNPROTECTED, 24 UNINFORMED AND UNDERAGE SEXUAL ACTIVITY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL

25 OF THIS SECTION ON JULY 1, 2016; TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-173, 26 MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, RELATING TO PARENTAL NOTICE; TO AMEND 27 SECTION 2, CHAPTER 507, LAWS OF 2009, TO REVISE THE DUTIES OF THE 28 TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION TASK FORCE AND TO EXTEND THE DATE OF THE

29 REPEAL ON THE TASK FORCE TO JULY 1, 2016; TO REQUIRE THE STATE

30 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 31 SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, TO ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM 32 IN EACH HEALTH CARE DISTRICT, TO BE LOCATED IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT 33 IN A COUNTY HAVING THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF TEEN PREGNANCIES; TO

34 REQUIRE THOSE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 35 THROUGH QUALIFIED PERSONNEL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 36 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

Mississippi Sex Education Law In 2011, the Mississippi Legislature passed a new sex education law mandating that schools adopt a sex education policy– either “abstinence-plus” or “abstinence-only”–by June 30, 2012. The new law also contains implementation requirements that all school districts must follow such as the separation of girls and boys for sex education classes and the requirement that parents “opt-in” their child for sex-ed classes.

Read the new law, referred to as House Bill 999 (HB999). Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 43

Center for Mississippi Health Policy

What Do Mississippi Parents Think About Sex-Related Ed- of the type of people or groups who should determine the ma- ucation in Public Schools—December 2011 terial to be taught in sex-related education classes, parents rated public health professionals the highest, followed by HB 999 During its 2011 Regular Session, the Mississippi Legis- school health councils.

lature passed HB 999, which requires each local school board Policy Implications Parents overwhelmingly support to adopt a policy on sex-related education by June 30, 2012, to teaching sex-related education in Mississippi public schools. implement either an abstinence-only or an abstinence-plus The majority think the education should begin in middle school, curriculum. The Center for Mississippi Health Policy commis- and the curriculum should be comprehensive and determined sioned Mississippi State University’s Social Science Research by public health professionals. They support separating chil- Center to survey parents of Mississippi public school students dren by gender during sex-related education classes and re- quiring parents to provide written permission for a student to be to assess their attitudes and opinions regarding the content of included in the class. and methods for delivering sex-related education in the Miss. Code of 1972 Ann. § 37-13-171 (2011). schools. This Issue Brief summarizes the results of the survey. Miss. Code of 1972 Ann. § 37-13-173 (2011). A full detailed report on survey findings can be found and downloaded from the Center’s web site at Sources: www.mshealthpolicy.com. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1995-2009 Middle school youth risk behavior survey data. Available at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline. Accessed on November 9, Significance In addition to setting requirements regarding 2011. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). sex-related education in public schools, HB 999 also reconsti- (2010, June 4). Youth risk behavior surveillance--United States, tutes the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force and revises 2009. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 59 (SS-5). Re- its duties to include evaluation of the impact of sex related edu- trieved from: http://cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5905.pdf . Centers cation policies on teen pregnancy rates. Mississippi has the for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for highest rate of births to teenagers of all states, and data from Health Statistics. (2011, November). Births: final data for 2009. the Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicate high rates of sexual National Vital Statistics Reports, 60 (1). activity among Mississippi youth:

 44.9 percent of high school students report currently being sexually active (highest of all reporting states); Don't Know/ 61.0 percent of high school students report ever having sex  Category Yes No Refused (highest of all reporting states); and Female 93.5% 4.9% 1.6%  26.2 percent of middle school students report ever having Male 85.8% 9.8% 4.3% sex. White 87.7% 9.4% 3.5%

Black 97.6% 1.9% 0.5% Public Perception About 92 percent of parents surveyed said that sex-related education should be taught in the Missis- <$20,000 95.7% 3.2% 1.1% sippi public school system at an age-appropriate grade level. $20,000 ‐ $49,999 93.6% 4.7% 1.7% There was some variation in opinion based on demographic $50,000 ‐ $74,999 87.8% 9.6% 2.7% characteristics, although at no point for any of these categories $75,000+ 89.8% 6.8% 3.4% did support drop below 85 percent. Support expressed by < HS 94.0% 3.9% 2.1% black parents was significantly (p<0.001) higher than for white HS or GED 93.2% 5.1% 1.7% parents Some College 91.4% 6.2% 2.4% College Graduate 92.2% 5.2% 2.6% Support also varied by geographic area of the state, with the Graduate School 89.3% 9.2% 1.5% highest level of support (96.5 percent) in the lower delta region (Public Health District III), and the lowest level (89.3 percent) in the southeastern part of the state (Public Health District VIII).

The majority of parents (64.8 percent) thought that sex-related education should first be taught in middle school (grades 5, 6, and 7).

Parents were asked about specific topics that could be includ- ed in the curriculum and how strongly they supported or op- posed the inclusion of each topic. The majority of parents sup- ported all topics, although in varying degrees. The topic with the least support – classroom demonstrations – was opposed by 22.3 percent of parents.

Most parents (61 percent) thought that students should be sep- arated by gender during sex-related education classes. The same percentage expressed the opinion that parents should have to sign a form in order for a student to participate in sex- related education classes. When asked to rate the importance Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 44

Bi-Partisan support for HB 151

HB-151 (Expansion of the Child Protection Act of 2012/Umbilical Cord Blood Act)

Sid Bondurant, MD Legislative Liaison Office of Governor Phil Bryant HB-151 (Expansion of the Child Protection Act of 2012/Umbilical Cord Blood Act) was a Governor’s agenda item. The origin of this bill came from a meeting between the Governor and a group of African- American attorneys, pastors, legislators, judges and social workers from Holmes County. The group was very concerned with teen pregnancy and the deleterious effects this was having on the youth of Holmes County. The group came to Governor Bryant asking for his Nycole Campbell Lewis, Ph.D., advisor for help on implementing teen pregnancy prevention programs and Teen Pregnancy and Dr. Sid Bondurant, innovative legislation regarding teen pregnancy prevention. One idea that came from the discussion was a way to keep repeat teen OB/GYN and Legislative Liaison advocated pregnancy from happening by prosecution of adults who impregnate for HB 151 during the 2013 legislative ses- children. After discussion, there was unanimous support for the sion on behalf of Governor Bryant. The bill concept of collecting umbilical cord blood from the delivery of a baby passed both chambers and was signed by where the unmarried mother was fifteen years old or younger and Governor Phil Bryant. there was suspicion that the father of the baby was an adult. The cord blood would be used for DNA evidence in prosecution of statutory rape charges. Research has shown that about 70 percent of the fathers of children where the mother is 15 or younger are adult men. Governor Bryant then began to build a bipartisan coalition of supporters of the bill and strengthened it when Attorney General Hood brought law enforcement officials on board with a mandatory arrest provision. In the past, many of these rapists had escaped arrest because family members of the victims were reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement in pressing charges. With mandatory arrest provisions, the collection of the cord blood will trigger an investigation of potential statutory rape and subsequent arrest if justified. House Judiciary “B” Chairman Andy Gipson and Senate Judiciary “A” Chairman Brigg Hopson were supporters of the bill. Senators Sally Doty and Lydia Chassaniol became co-sponsors of the bill. The bill passed the House just as Governor Bryant had requested. It was modified somewhat in the Senate when it passed there. In conference the bill was reported out essentially as the House passed it. The conference report was then passed by the House by a vote of 98 to Governor Phil Bryant, seated. 17 and by the Senate with a vote of 52 to 0. Representative Andy Gipson, This bill is truly original and innovative legislation. No other state has Chairman Judiciary B; Senator Briggs such legislation on its books. Hopson, Chairman Judiciary A; Attorney General’s Office Geoffrey Morgan, Chief of Staff; Speaker Phillip Gunn; Representative Kimberly Campbell,Vice-Chairman Judiciary B; and Senator Sally Doty (not pictured) Vice-Chairman Judiciary A. View the bill text at http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2013/pdf/ history/HB/HB0151.xml Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 45

Special Contributor: Dr. Freda Bush

The Teen Brain and Sexual Activity “What about the children? To ignore is easy. So many innocent children will choose the wrong way. Yes, what about the children? Remember when we were children? And if not for those who loved us and who cared enough to show us, where would we be today?” Song excerpts from “What About the Children?” by Yolanda Adams Have you ever wondered why teenagers act the way they do? Through modern brain imaging studies and neurochemical analysis, modern science has given us some answers to the risk young people take. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Freda Bush, OB-GYN project that studied over a hundred young people as they grew up during the 1990s showed that our brains undergo a massive reorganization between our 12th and 25th years. The last portion of the brain to mature is the prefrontal cortex of the sexually transmitted infection risk or the emotional risk from frontal lobes. This occurs in the mid-twenties. The prefrontal sex especially with multiple partners. cortex is the source of: In case you are wondering, “What does the brain have to do  Seeing how “What I do today affects my future.” with sex?”, sexual activity produces an intense brain experience. Sex, which we think of as a purely physical activity,  Associating cause & effect. molds the brain–for positive or for negative. It depends on the experience. We need to understand that our brains are being  Rational behavior & decision making. molded all the time. Actually, it just happens much faster in  Emotional stability & self-esteem. young people’s brains, and with lifelong effects.

3, 4 Sexual involvement is hardwired into the brain because survival  Social & communication skills. is dependent on it. Did you know, pregnancy occurs only 25 When this development proceeds normally, we get better at percent of the time with one act of sex at the time of ovulation balancing impulse, desire, goals, self-interest, rules, ethics, and even in the most fertile woman? even altruism, generating behavior that is more complex and, Therefore, it takes repeated sexual encounters to assure the sometimes at least, more sensible. greatest opportunity for pregnancy to occur. (Evers, “Female Brain development undoubtedly influences adolescent behavior Fertility”,Lancet 2 [2002]. 151-159). Because survival of the but it does so within a context.1. Lack of information, stress, human race is dependent on this occurring, the desire for sex to rebellion, and other factors can play a role in young people ensure pregnancy is built into the human body, with dopamine making poor decisions. However, Laurence Steinberg, a and other hormones at work to assure that the man and woman developmental psychologist specializing in adolescence at keep having sex then bond together to care for the children Temple University, points out teens take more risks not produced. because they don't understand the dangers but because they Sexual activity releases neurochemicals (hormones) that affect weigh risk versus reward differently. In situations where risk can the brain. These hormones are values neutral so do not indicate get them something they want, they value the reward more whether you should or should not participate in the behavior. heavily than adults do.2 Only the person can evaluate the risk/benefits and make that Middle adolescence, (roughly 14 to 17), should be a period of decision. Dopamine’s release creates excitement and reward especially heightened vulnerability to risky behavior because that stimulates a desire to repeat the behavior. You may not be sensation seeking is high and self-regulation is still immature. “If aware the behavior can become addicting. you think of the teen brain as a car, adolescents acquire an Two other neurohormones involved in sexual activity are accelerator a long time before they can steer and oxytocin and vasopressin. When released into the brain they brake.” (L.Steinberg, Brain and Cognition 72(2010)160-164) can cause bonding and trusting between the partners. Breaking However, the following true story of a 20y/o college student those bonds can cause depression and make it harder to bond illustrates still the need for guidance as young people mature. with someone else in the future. “Sue” takes Plan B, OTC (over the counter) several times a According to a national survey, those teens who were sexually month after sex because she didn’t want to become active were three times more likely to be depressed than those pregnant. She doesn’t use birth control pills due to nausea who were abstinent. (Hallifors, DD. 2005 Am J Prev Med) and she “can’t remember” to take it daily. She doesn’t have Suicide is attempted more often by sexually active teens than a steady boyfriend nor does she use condoms because she those who have not had sex. (Rector RE. et al Sexually Active doesn’t like the way condoms feel. When discussed, she Teenagers) stated she enjoyed sex but had not taken into account the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 46

Special Contributor: Dr. Freda Bush

The Teen Brain and Sexual Activity-page 2 REFERENCES

1 Even a twenty second hug has been shown to release Steinberg, L, A behavioral scientist looks at the science of oxytocin and trigger bonding in females. Dr. L. Brizendine, adolescent brain development. Brain and Cognition 72 (2010) the researcher warns, “Don’t let a guy hug you unless you 160 – 164 plan to trust him”. (The Female Brain, 2006) 2Joe S. McIlhaney and Freda M. Bush, with Stan Guthrie, Girls Uncovered: New Research on What America’s Sexual Culture How can one tell if the other person’s interest in them is Does to Young Women (Chicago: Northfield Publishing, 2011, genuine or the result of lust, infatuation or mature love? 63-64 Actually, there are three separate dynamic areas identified 3 by neuroimaging techniques. Lust is a powerful emotional Giedd, et al. Neuroscience, 1999 state that is usually for self gratification. Infatuation or “early 4Weinberger, et al. The Adolescent Brain, 2005. love” is also powerful but in general is oriented toward caring for the other person. Mature love is the deep abiding love of 5The Female Brain, 2006 a couple that stays together and allows the healthy evolution of early love. (Stortelder F. Ploegmakers-Burg M. Adolescence and the Reorganization of infant development: a neuropsychoanalytic However, since there are no portable Functional MRI’s or Model. J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry 2010;38(30:503- PET scans available, only time and other behaviors can 532) reveal the difference. Interestingly, there is only one brain area for pain.

The brain studies show the same area lights up if its physical pain like a broken bone or emotional pain like a broken relationship. To the brain, they both feel the same. It hurts when a bond is broken. There are many ways for adolescents to satisfy their inclinations toward sensation-seeking that are not harmful or antisocial. The same process is at work in the brain as we develop self discipline, our personal values and on and on.2 Increasing parental involvement in their lives, spending quality and quantity time talking with and listening to your adolescent about anything, will help them value your opinion and make decisions accordingly. Premature and unwise sexual behavior has the potential to result in bad programming and consequently damage the brain formation for healthy decision making. Powerful neurohormones are released making an impression on the synapses of the brain hardwiring their bond. One lesson learned from the research is that it is easier to delay sexual debut—first sexual experience—than to stop sexual activity. The facts are that the brain is moldable and new habits can be established. High levels of parent-family connectedness has been shown to be key in avoiding risky behaviors. Multiple studies have reported most adolescents, even through college, say the most influential people regarding their behavior choices are their parents. (B. Albert, With One Voice, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, Wash., DC) “Two roads diverged in the woods, and I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.” “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 47

Special Thanks to our Honorary Chair

Mississippi Girls Health Initiative Serving as a community partner with Governor Phil Bryant and First Lady Deborah Bryant, the Mississippi Girls Health Initiative is a privately funded program, developed to promote legislation to reduce unplanned pregnancies among Mississippi teens. The highest percentage (78%) of unplanned teen pregnancies is among 18 and 19 year olds. With the leadership of female legislators in the Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate, the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 2563 in 2014 directing the community colleges and universities to develop an action plan to address the prevention of unplanned teen pregnancies among older teens on their campuses. The 2015 legislative proposal was to help provide resources for use by the community colleges and universities to implement their plans. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi The teen pregnancy rate in Mississippi ranks 48th in the nation. Recognizing seriousness of this problem, Phil Bryant, Governor of the State of Mississippi, issued a directive to the Mississippi Department of Human Services and the Mississippi State Department of Health to develop a plan for preventing and reducing teen pregnancy in Mississippi. Governor Bryant appointed a task force of governmental and community leaders, and faith-based and non-profit organizations which formed the Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi initiative to reduce and prevent births to teen mothers. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi promotes the use of abstinence-only and abstinence-plus sex education, youth development programs, coalition building and media outreach to help Mississippi meet its goal of lower teen birth rates and healthier teens and newborns. Mission Statement: The mission of the Task Force is to improve the lives of Mississippi families and ensure a better future for our youth by collaborating to create a comprehensive campaign to reduce and prevent teen pregnancy.

“It's amazing to see so many groups and individuals coming together to educate our youth on how teen pregnancy impacts their future and the future of the state. I am incredibly proud of the success this task force has obtained and the example they have set for other states. We must keep moving forward!”

Mrs. Deborah Bryant Mississippi’s First Lady Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 48

Mississippi Girls Health Initiative —Planning Committee Members

Rev. Dr. Connie Shelton MS Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Deborah Bryant, Mississippi First Lady Director of Communication/Connectional Ministry 300 East Capitol, Jackson MS 39201 320 C. Briarwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39201 [email protected] Kelly Scrivner, Chief of Staff for MS First Lady 601-497-7480 PO Box 139, Jackson, MS 39205-0139 [email protected] Cindy Hyde-Smith, Commissioner of Agriculture 601-359-6465 MS Department of Agriculture Janet Trotter, Executive Assistant Vivian Dailey, MA Educational Consultant, MS Girls Health 121 North Jefferson Street, Jackson, MS 39201 Initiative Coordinator [email protected] 2135 Kingslea Drive, Gautier, MS 39553-1862 601-359-1198 [email protected] 228-238-6674 Dr. Mary Graham, President MGCCC, [email protected] Dian Willhoite, Attorney, Donor’s Representative 228-323-4818 103 Shearwater Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, [email protected] 228-257-6517 Tracey Walters, JD Assistant to the President, [email protected] Nycole Campbell Lewis, PhD, LMSW Office of the Governor, State Coordinator Caroline Ramagos, Vice President of Instructional Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Relations, PO Box 139, Jackson, MS 39205 [email protected] [email protected] 601-462-7097 Jamie H. Bardwell, Director Women’s Federation of Mississippi, Representative Sherra H. Lane [email protected]; Plaza Building, Suite 903, P.O. Box 971, Waynesboro, MS 39367 120 North Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201 [email protected] 601-326-3001 601-359-9485

Senator Sally Doty Kathy Purser, [email protected] 183 Oak Hill Dr., Brookhaven, MS 39601 [email protected] 601-835-4175

Representative Alyce G. Clark, District 69 1053 Arbor Vista Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209 601-359-9465

State Treasurer Lynn Fitch, 501 North West Street, Suite 1101, Jackson, MS 39201 [email protected] (601)359-9465

H. Beth Jackson, Ph.D. Senior Consultant Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools, Inc. Governor Phil Bryant accompanied P. O. Box 5365, 363 Morrill Road, Mississippi State, MS 39762 by the Girls Health Initiative mem- 1421 County Line Road, Preston, MS 39354 bers during the signing of Senate Bill 601-677-2387 2563. [email protected]

Dr. Mary Currier, M.D., M.P.H, MS State Health Officer, Mississippi State Department of Health P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700 [email protected] 601-576-7634 Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 49

Senate Bill 2563

Institute of Higher Learning/Community College Pregnancy Prevention 2015 Working Group

Senate Bill No. 2563

 Passed during the 2014 legislative session.

 Required IHL and Mississippi Community College Board to submit to the Governor and Legislature a plan to address unplanned pregnancies among 18 and 19 year olds. Dr. Joyce Yates, Dr. Adam Breerwood,  Working group that was composed of representatives Co-Chair Co-Chair from community colleges, universities, Human Services, Health Department, MEC, and Women’s Foundation of Mississippi submitted the report in late October 2014.

 Legislation was the first of its kind in the nation.

 During the 2015 session, the Arkansas Legislature passed a bill that contained almost the exact same language as our SB 2563.

During the 2015 spring semester, Hinds Community College Gloria Miller, IHL Kell Smith, CCB implemented parts of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Institute of Community and Unplanned Pregnancy educational program. Higher Learning College Board

Some of the outcomes include:

 The curriculum was incorporated into 862 students’ Orientation/First Year Experience course.

 192 faculty members participated in professional development sessions.

 The Director and Coordinator presented informational sessions for the three governing administrative and faculty bodies: College Council (59 present), Instructional Affairs Council (36 present), and District Student Affairs Council (20 present).

 The Director and Coordinator presented informational sessions for the three governing administrative and faculty College Pregnancy Prevention 2015 Working Group bodies: College Council (59 present), Instructional Affairs Council (36 present), and District Student Affairs Council (20 present).

Holmes Community College has received a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi to implement pregnancy prevention programs. The details of the grant are currently being finalized. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 50

Senate Bill 2854

Senate Bill No. 2854, the Appropriations bill for the community colleges from the 2015 session, contained $250,000 for pregnancy prevention efforts at the community colleges.  Hinds Community College received the most funds with $41,833.  Coahoma ($7,693) and Southwest ($7,816) received the smallest amounts.  The money was distributed based on a formula of dividing half of the funds based on enrollment and the other half based on square footages of the campuses.

community college students. Preventing Unplanned Pregnancy increases For instance, they developed free Community College Completion on-line lessons for college students about how to prevent pregnancy, As they tossed their graduation caps in the air a few days using information from the ago, my daughter and about 500 classmates took a big step outstanding Bedsider.org birth toward adulthood. Some are off to four-year colleges, a few control support network site. are taking time to test the job market or explore the world on A recent evaluation of the online their own, and the rest—a good number—are headed to lessons showed positive changes community college for an associate’s degree and future in knowledge, attitudes, and opportunities for work or further education. These bright and behavioral intent about preventing unplanned pregnancy. energetic young people are starting down a path toward learning and earning. Cheering for them at this turning point But the opportunity to help community college students goes lifted my heart about the country’s future. way beyond creating educational content. The National Campaign has also worked at the state level to encourage For many graduates, attending one of the country’s 1,000- community colleges to help students prevent unplanned plus community colleges is an attractive and affordable pregnancy. Just last year, Mississippi passed a law—the first option—and, for some, a crucial stepping stone to a set of of its kind in the country—directing community college and opportunities that their parents never had. The 12 million higher education leaders to develop a plan to address community college students in the U.S. disproportionately unplanned pregnancy. In March, the legislature appropriated come from lower income families that have historically been funds to each of the state’s community colleges to take underrepresented in higher education: almost 40 percent action, and the National Campaign is providing technical African American, Latino or Asian American and Pacific assistance as the schools prepare to start up activities later Islander, and more than half are women. Community colleges this year. are so important to social mobility in the U.S., in fact, that earlier this year, the White House proposed the America’s Mississippi’s actions inspired legislators in Arkansas, who College Promise initiative, which anticipates supporting two enacted similar legislation in March 2015. The National tuition-free years at a community college for eligible students. Campaign is now working closely with higher education groups and others as they begin to tackle the challenge of But to succeed, they have to finish their course of study and unplanned pregnancy at Arkansas community colleges and make it to the next graduation ceremony. That doesn’t happen public universities. by accident. As young people strive for the opportunities that education A key strategy to make sure community college students have makes possible, they need the information, support and the best chance at success is to help them protect themselves services to keep them in school, and to make sure they against unintended pregnancy. While the teen birth rate has become parents only when they’re ready for that dropped dramatically since the early 1990s, there hasn’t been responsibility. Community colleges can be—and should be— nearly as much progress made in reducing unplanned a crucial ally in that effort. pregnancies among 20-somethings—even those young people who have big plans for their futures. And a pregnancy June 12, 2015 — By Ruth Levine, Senior Program Officer, can be devastating to their education. Unplanned births Hewlett Foundation account for almost one in ten drop-outs among female students at community colleges, and male students also have difficulty completing a course of study if they have to deal with the responsibilities of becoming a father. That’s why the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has focused attention on improving information, support, and access to health services for Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 51

THREE Cheers for Mississippi

For a long time, Mississippi has been at or near the bottom of the list when it comes to teen pregnancy and birth rates. Broad-based efforts by the Governor, state legislators, state agencies, private foundations, education leaders, community organizations, and other citizens are trying to turn this around, and it looks like there is cause for optimism. Yes, more work to do, but heading in the right direction. One of the most innovative aspects of this work is a data-driven focus on addressing unplanned pregnancy among college students. Why? Because seven in 10 teen pregnancies in Mississippi occur to young women who are 18 or 19 years old (the figure is similar in other states). And, because helping college students avoid unplanned pregnancy will help students succeed in college and contribute to a better educated and competitive workforce. According to Blueprint Mississippi, increasing the educational achievement level of Mississippians is key to the state’s progress. Motivated by this information, leaders in Mississippi are taking groundbreaking steps to tackle this issue. SB 2563 passed with strong bipartisan support and full support from the Governor who required the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board, in collaboration with top leaders from the public universities and community colleges, as well as other public agencies, to develop a plan of action to address the prevention of unintended and unmarried pregnancies among college students. The Community College Times recently profiled the important work underway. Having had the honor to speak with many of the participants, I can attest to the thoughtfulness and diligence with which they are undertaking this task. While there is wonderful work going on among a number of individual colleges, to our knowledge this is the first statewide effort in the U.S. to address unplanned pregnancy among college students. So, three cheers to Mississippi for being at the top of this list. Hopefully other states will follow your lead. Authored by: Andrea Kane Andrea Kane is the Senior Director of Public Policy at The National Campaign. She is responsible for The National Campaign’s public policy program, as well as its growing initiative with community colleges. During her time at the Campaign, she has also had responsibility for partnerships with a wide range of national, state and local organizations and helped launch The National Campaign’s work with youth in foster care and with Latino communities. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 52

Recommendations

Dr. Nycole Campbell-Lewis, State Coordinator After reviewing the body of research and hosting  The need for comprehensive program designs and services which prevent pregnancy among teens at-risk testimonial and subject matter expert’s presentations and support pregnant and parenting teens. nationally, regionally and locally about what works in confronting teen pregnancy issues, the Mississippi  Accountability maintained by appropriate state agencies Teenage Pregnancy Task Force proposes a and have built-in monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. comprehensive and integrated policy and practice in Mississippi.  A comprehensive primary prevention model which 1. State the case for teenage pregnancy as a priority, addresses such matters as values education, healthy relationships, human development and family resources. make its expectations explicit and show how investment is cost-effective.  Updated Sex Education guidance. 2. Provide strong political leadership to support cultural change in addressing teenage pregnancy and talking  Continue efforts to improve data collection and locate about sexual matters with young people. school nurses throughout the state. Furthermore, incorporating sexually transmitted incidences (STI) and 3. Issue revised sex education guidance so schools are pregnancy rates will provide more evidence to support a immediately clear about what should be taught. recommendation for having nurses in schools. According to national standards, there should be one nurse to 750 4. Ensure that teenage pregnancy is integrated into all students. Mississippi needs 200 more school nurses to state future policy. meet this standard.

5. Evidence and effective practice must be kept. We  Research funding opportunities to help reduce Teen recommend that government funds a division and it is Births and Low Birth Weight throughout the state. dedicated to its partners to appoint teenage pregnancy outreach specialists to ensure all examples of good practice of teenage pregnancy are recorded, new ones collated and support for local areas is brokered.

6. Ensure teenage parents are included in targeted support for young people and disadvantaged families.

7. Local areas should work in partnership to ensure teenage pregnancy prevention and support for young parents is integrated into locally decided plans and implemented effectively.

8. Funding is essential for policy implementation but is also limited and therefore it is key to prioritize the most vulnerable groups. Moreover, it is necessary to have Dr. Nycole Campbell Lewis an integrated effort among the different agents, to generate synergies and to have a better use of the available funds.

Teenage pregnancy is still a priority despite the decline in teen birth rates.

Other recommendations to consider for further review:

 The need for a comprehensive database which is centrally located in the state of Mississippi.

 The need for interagency coordination which is evaluated on outcomes and processes. Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 53

References

References

1. Mississippi Department of Health Statistics (2012-2014). 2. National Vital Statistics Reports (1991-2012). 3. MMWR 2011; 60 (06):183. 4. MMWR 2012; 61 (47):978. 5. MMWR 2013; 62 (48) 989. 6. http://www.the nationalcampaign.org/costs/pdf/counting-it-up/fact-sheet-mississippi.pdf. 7. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2013 Data Book. 8. The Annie Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2013 Data Book. 9. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr62/nvsr62-09.pdf. 10. www.ncls.org. 11. Journal of Adolescent Health Volume 28, Issue 3, March 2001, Pages 181-189. Adolescent substance use and sexual risk-taking behavior . Susan F. Tapert, Gregory A. Aarons, Georganna R. Sedlar, Sandra A. Brown. Website for article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X00001695.

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 54

Appendix - A Federal Curriculum

EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS MODELS Since 2010, the Office of Adolescent Health (OAH) has funded the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program to support replica- tion of evidence-based programs that were included on the HHS Teen Pregnancy Prevention Evidence Review at the time the grant was funded. Organizations requesting grant funding selected the programs most appropriate for use in their com- munity.

Program Name Evaluation Setting Aban Aya Youth Project Middle school Adult Identity Mentoring (Project AIM) Middle school All4You! High school, Specialized setting Assisting in Rehabilitating Kids (ARK) Specialized setting Be Proud! Be Responsible! After school program or community-based organization Be Proud! Be Responsible! Be Protective! Middle school, High school Becoming a Responsible Teen (BART) After school program or community-based organization Children's Aid Society (CAS) -- Carrera Programs After school program or community-based organization ¡Cuídate! After school program or community-based organization Draw the Line/Respect the Line Middle school Families Talking Together (FTT) Clinic-based FOCUS Specialized setting Health Improvement Projects for Teens (HIP Teens) After school program or community-based organization Heritage Keepers Abstinence Education Middle school, High school HORIZONS Health clinic It's Your Game: Keep it Real (IYG) Middle school Making a Difference! After school program or community-based organization Making Proud Choices! After school program or community-based organization Project IMAGE Health Clinic Project TALC After school program or community-based organization Promoting Health Among Teens! Abstinence-Only Interven- After school program or community-based organization tion Promoting Health Among Teens! Comprehensive Abstinence After school program or community-based organization and Safer Sex Intervention Raising Healthy Children (formerly known as the Seattle So- Elementary school cial Development Project) Reducing the Risk High school Respeto/Proteger After school program or community-based organization Rikers Health Advocacy Program (RHAP) Specialized setting Safer Choices High school Safer Sex Health clinic SiHLE Health clinic Sexual Health and Adolescent Risk Prevention (SHARP) (formerly known as HIV Risk Reduction Among Detained Specialized setting Adolescents) Sisters Saving Sisters Health clinic STRIVE After school program or community-based organization Teen Health Project After school program or community-based organization Teen Outreach Program (TOP) High school Seventeen Days Health clinic

Source: www.mde.k12.ms.us/docs/healthy-schools/listing-of-approved-curriculanew.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 55

Appendix - B State Curriculum

MS Code 37-13-171 – Sex-related Education (2011 Legislation HB999) List of Approved Resources

The sex-related education bill passed by the 2011 Mississippi Legislature and signed by the governor requires that the Mississippi Department of Education approve curriculum for district use. The following list is divided into two parts; Abstinence Only and Abstinence Plus. Curricula should be carefully reviewed at the local level as costs, training requirements, presentation style, student activities and areas of emphasis are varied.

*Curricula with the HHS designation have been identified as effective by the Department of Health and Human Service. Click http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/oah-initiatives/teen_pregnancy/db/ for more information.

Abstinence Abstinence Program Only Plus HHS

Abstinence & Marriage Programs   www.abstinenceandmarriage.com Choosing the Best http://www.chosingthebest.org/curricula/   index.html

  Great Body Shop www.TheGreatBodyShop.net

  HealthTeacher.com www.healthteacher.com

  Heritage Keepers www.heritagesources.org

  Making a Difference www.selectmedia.org   Promoting Health Among Teens www.selectmedia.com

 Rise to your Dreams Spanish Version available

REAL TRAINING (formerly WAIT Training)   www.myrelationshipcenter.org

   Draw the Line/Respect the Line www.etr.org/pub

   Reducing the Risk www.etr.org/pub

Source: http:www.mde.k12.ms.us/docs/healthy-schools/listing-of-approved-curriculanew.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 56

Messages from the Healthy Teens FACT SHEET

The Mississippi Teen: Why Should You Care?

National Statistics:  In 2014, Mississippi ranked 50th out of 50 in overall child wellbeing.1 Living Arrangements:  In 2012, 49% of Mississippi children lived in single-parent households.2 Marriage Licenses applied for in Mississippi:  During a 30-year span, the number of couples applying for Mississippi marriage licenses dropped by HALF.3 Education:  Between 2011-2012, Mississippi’s on-time graduation rate was 68%.4  During 2013, 21% of Mississippians ages 18 to 24 did not attend school, did not work and had no degree beyond high school.5 Poverty:  During 2013, 39% of children lived in families where no parent had full-time, year-round employment. This is the highest prevalence in the U.S.6 Child Death: (KIDSCOUNT)  In 2011, Mississippi’s infant mortality rate was the highest with 9.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.7 Births:  During 2012, Mississippi had the highest rate of births to unmarried women – 55%.8 Teen Birth Rate:  During 2012, among 15-19 year old females, there were 46 pregnancies per 1,000 teenage females vs. the national rate of 29 per 1,000 15-19 year old females.9 Snapshot of Births to Teen Mothers:  In 2013, Mississippi had 42.6 births per 1,000 15-19 year old females. The national rate was 26.6 births per 1,000 teen- agers.10  In 2012, Mississippi had 80.1 births per 1,000 18-19 year old females, whereas the national rate was 51.4 births per 1,000 18-19 year old females.11 Public Costs of Teen Childbearing in Mississippi:  In 2010, teen childbearing cost taxpayers at least $137M.12

 Between 1991-2010, there were approximately 159,653 teen births in the state, costing taxpayers $4.0B.1

______

Revised February 26, 2015

1 The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2014 Data Book 2 The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2014 Data Book 3 Mississippi State Department of Health, Statistics 4 The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2014 Data Book 5 http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/across states/Rankings.aspx?ind=5063 6 http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/acrossstates/Rankings.aspx?ind=5043 7 http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/acrossstates/Rankings.aspx?ind=6051 8 http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/acrossstates/Rankings.aspx?ind=7 9 The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2014 Data Book 10 http://thenationalcampaign.org/data/compare/1701 11 http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr63/nvsr63_02.pdf 12 http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/state.html?s=Mississippi 13 http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/costs/pdf/counting-it-up/fact-sheet-mississippi.pdf Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 57

Proclamation—White Ribbon Sunday Month

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 58

Proclamation— Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 59

Proclamation— Responsible Fatherhood Month

Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi Newsletter · November 1, 2015 · Page 60

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