Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106358

Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, MD MPH and Tina Lester, RN, MSN. Division of Family, Youth and Infant Health, Metro Nashville Public Health Department, 311 23rd Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-5614, kimberlee.wyche@nashville.gov

Since 2000, Nashville has participated in the Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) method of analysis to evaluate and address infant mortality. The majority of infants that die in Nashville do so as a result of maternal health issues and prematurity. In order to have a healthy pregnancy outcome, a woman's health must be addressed in the preconception period. The Choices Program is designed to address the 60% of teens/ young adults in Nashville who are tested for pregnancy, and have a negative result, as well as those who are at risk for sexually transmitted infections, (STI's). The Choices Program involves partnering with community organizations that work with teens to offer free and confidential screenings for pregnancy and STI's. Using a Mobile Unit, we offer screenings and education in high-risk areas. Participants receive folic acid, and a referral for a well teen exam. Young ladies are offered a 3-hour “Knowledge for Life” discussion, which is held monthly and includes information ranging from body basics, contraceptive choices, and self esteem building. The program tracks participants' repeat screening rates, positive pregnancy/ STI rates, and increases in health knowledge. Each month, the Choices Program provided 2 testing sessions, conducts on average 80 screenings, and graduates roughly 30 participants from the educational component of the program.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will

• Will understand the benefits of utilizing a mobile unit to outreach to teens on thier turf
• Will appreciate the benefits of community based education for teens based on information that teens want to know
• Will see how teen targeted interventions have the potential of changing a community's knowledge base

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.