May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

As part of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, the Central Health Center is encouraging teens to visit the Web site www.stayteen.org to take a short scenario-based quiz and learn about teen pregnancy.

The quiz challenges young people to consider what they would do in a number of different situations to prevent teen pregnancy, said Susan Goodman, Central Health Center community outreach coordinator.

May is designated as Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and local and national organizations will be working to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and the need for effective, comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention programs.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy reports that despite hitting the lowest level in 30 years, 31 percent of teenage girls get pregnant at least once before they reach age 20.

An estimated 750,000 teen girls get pregnant every year, and the No. 1 reason teenagers give for not using contraception is they weren't planning to have sex.

According to the Central Health Center, a strong partnership between the community and the family can help young people develop responsible and healthy attitudes about sexuality and enhance decision-making skills that lead to positive life choices.

For more information about teen pregnancy, contact the Central Health Center at 384-7625.