Texas, a state with a reputation for topping many lists, has now secured a significant federal grant aimed to combat its notably high teen pregnancy rates. UT Teen Health has been awarded a nearly $10 million grant to bolster educational and clinical efforts to prevent teen pregnancy, particularly in San Antonio and the broader expanse of South Texas.
According to FOX San Antonio, Dr. Rochelle David, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Health San Antonio, emphasized the importance of informed decision-making. "We want them to be able to have safe spaces to ask the questions they want to ask so they understand how their body works, they understand the impact of decisions, they understand how to make the best decisions for themselves," she said.
The grant originates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has allocated a total of $68.5 million to support 53 organizations across 29 states and Puerto Rico. UT Teen Health's slice of this pie amounts to $9.86 million, with the aim to "advance equity in adolescent health through proven evidence-based programs and positive youth development," as detailed in a press release highlighted by KSAT.
Teen pregnancy rates in South Texas are up to four times the national average, making these efforts crucial for the region. Kristen Plastino, MD, director of UT Teen Health, vice chair of clinical operations at UT Health San Antonio, highlighted the outreach goals, stating, "These programs will promote youth-centered, medically accurate, high-quality programming and services that improve health outcomes and promote optimal health for youth ages 10-24, using a sustainable model to train facilitators to reach 16,000 youth annually," as stated by KSAT.
Three other Texas organizations, including the City of Austin, Healthy Futures of Texas, and Project Vida Health and UT Health Houston, are also set to receive funding. UT Teen Health, a part of UT Health San Antonio, is dedicated to advancing adolescent health and wellness by providing medically accurate sex education among other initiatives.
