Did you know?

STDs are epidemic in America with 65 million currently living with an incurable disease.

In Butte County, 75% of new STI cases are in young people under 24.

America has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the Western world. 800,000 teens will become pregnant in the next year.

80% of girls and 60% of boys wish they had waited to have sex.

The earlier sexual activity begins, the bigger the risk for STIs, unplanned pregnancy, and emotional problems.

TODAY - I CHALLENGE YOU TO:

EDUCATE yourself: STIs, unwed teen pregnancy, emotional costs, benefits of abstinence

TALK to your teen…they want to hear from you

ENCOURAGE them to remain abstinent until marriage and reach for their goals in life

EMPOWER them to be responsible for their sexual health

BELIEVE in your teen's ability for self-control and character

HOW CAN I HELP? Encourage your teen to:

• Have a plan for a bright future and healthy relationships;
• Be involved in healthy family, school, and community activities;
• Have support from parent(s), grandparent( s), teachers and/or other adults to promote a decision to remain abstinent until marriage.
• Know the facts about teen pregnancy, teen parenthood and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); and the drepression that can result.

Adult Info

Letter from the Program Director:

Parents, Educators, Pastors, and Mentors,

91% of teens think it is important that society send a strong message of abstinence until at least graduation from high school.

Do you really know about the world your teen lives in; the risks, behaviors and sexual culture may shock you. Our youth are looking to the adults in their life to empower them with a strong message of abstinence until marriage. They need reasons why this is the healthiest choice with medically accurate information and discussions on healthy relationships. They want us to believe that they're capable of being responsible for their own sexual health and making the best choice for their lives. We can do that by speaking with a united voice and by educating ourselves and our youth to the dangers of pre-marital sex and the benefits of abstinence until marriage.

The fact that you're reading this right now shows your concern. The media is selling a "no boundaries" message to our youth, but what they're really being is sold out. They're well aware of the "Safe Sex" message, but no amount of birth control can prevent a broken heart or certain STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), which are passed from skin to skin contact. Emotional trauma from pre-marital sex can be just as painful as any physical cost.

The culture of casual sex, or "hooking up", is damaging physically, psychologically and emotionally. Some symptoms are showing up as cutting, anorexia, depression and even suicide as the emptiness and consequences of that lifestyle becomes apparent. This also includes the dangerous risks of contracting a life-long STI (or more than one) which are epidemic in Butte County and America.

We can't afford to put our heads in the sand any longer. "I didn't know!" is not an option in today's dangerous world. We owe it to our children to know the facts, talk to them about it, encourage and support them with the truth about their sexual choices. Love and sex are not equal. They need to understand that sex outside the commitment, intimacy and bonds of marriage is a set up to be hurt.

The Department of Health and Human Services has reported a decline in both teen pregnancy rates and the number of teens having sex. Your teen needs all the support he/she can get.

In other words they NEED you.

They need you to talk to them, they need you to listen, and they need you to give them the resources/information to succeed.

That's where we can help. Let's do this together.

Be AWARE …we owe it to the ones we love most.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns. Group presentations, educational resources and individual counseling are available to you and your teen a no cost.

With a compassionate heart,
Jill Dwyer
Director of Education
Women's Resource Clinic