MOAPPP July 2008 E-Monthly

MOAPPP Staff Transitions

MOAPPP’s Outreach Coordinator, Nikki McComb, recently accepted a position with the Minneapolis Urban League as a Juvenile Advocacy Program Specialist. We want to thank Nikki for her work to make and maintain MOAPPP’s connections with youth-serving agencies across the state, for developing our new Community Connections webpages and for creating MOAPPP’s MySpace page.

Please join us in wishing Nikki well in her new work.


2009 MOAPPP Conference Planning Committee Seeks New Members

Planning for the 2009 MOAPPP Annual Conference is underway and we are recruiting new members for the planning committee. We look to the planning committee for their perspectives and advice on the conference theme, workshop and keynote presentations, and event logistics. Meetings are held once a month at the MOAPPP office and promise to be productive, stimulating…and fun! If you would like to be involved in planning this great event, please contact Marilyn Colby Rivkin at 651-644-1447 x15 or .


Helping Adolescent Parents Meet their Summer Work Activities Under MFIP

Late this spring, the MN Department of Human Services reminded counties and MFIP agencies that adolescent parents have to be in school or specific work activities to count in the state’s work participation rate. That reminder has caused some confusion and concern over what is required this summer. Read more about the requirements as well as suggestions for activities that count in the welfare work participation rate that may be helpful and appropriate for young parents.

In the News

States Turn Down US Abstinence Education Grants

A federal tally shows that participation in the program (Title V, section 510) is down 40% over two years, with 28 states still in. Instructors must teach that sexual activity outside of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects as a requirement of this program. Read more about these findings.

Also available: a recent blog on RH Reality Check by Bill Smith, VP of Policy at SIECUS, commenting on this recent Associated Press story.


West Suburban Teen Clinic Plans to Bring Clinic Services to Hopkins High School in Fall of 2008

Hopkins High School and WSTC will partner together to provide a satellite clinic to students at the High School. At a recent meeting, Hopkins school board members supported the plan and asked the district staff to move forward with outlining the relationship between the district and the clinic. To read the article, visit www.startribune.com. To view the executive summary and project proposal, visit www.westsuburbanteenclinic.org.


The Development of Young Fathers

The 2003 MOAPPP Teen of the Year award winner and Catholic Charities young dads program “Young Men in Transition” graduate is featured in a local Father’s Day story.


Safety Concerns Over Merck’s HPV Vaccine Gardasil Unfounded, CDC Officials Say

CDC officials recently stated that safety concerns over Merck’s human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil are unfounded, and reports of serious adverse events are unrelated to the vaccine. Read the full article.


A Surge in Teen Pregnancy in Gloucester, Mass. Stirs Debate Over Teen Pregnancy, Sex Education and Contraception

The previously reported pregnancy pact between at least 17 girls at Gloucester High School to become pregnant has been debunked in recent weeks. The unraveling of this story provides an opportunity to examine intentional teen pregnancy. For the real story behind the teen pregnancy “pact” visit www.rhrealitycheck.org. Additional details can be found at www.nationalpartnership.org.


Treating Genital Herpes Does Not Reduce Risk of HIV

Herpes simplex virus-2 has been shown to increase the risk of HIV by as much as threefold, so researchers examined whether treating HSV-2 might reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The results of this study, recently published in the journal Lancet, showed that it did not reduce the risk of HIV. Read more at www.kaisernetwork.org.

New Resources

Bright Futures Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children and Adolescents

This new resource from Bright Futures provides child health promotion information and guidance for health professionals from pediatricians to public health officials to school nurses including a section on “Promoting Healthy Sexual Development.”


“What Works” in Fatherhood Programs

A new National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse brief authored by Child Trends examines experimental evaluations of fatherhood and parenting programs to identify ten promising practices. Download this resource.


New Resource Available for Educating Somali Youth on Sexuality and Reproductive Health

Minnesota International Health Volunteers (MIHV) identified these strategies and recommendations through a series of 45 key informant interviews. The report outlines suggestions and tips to more effectively conduct sexuality and reproductive health education with Somali adolescents.


2007 Youth Risk Behavior Data Indicates Troubling Trends

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released findings from the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System which shows that positive changes in high school youths’ sexual behavior and contraceptive use have stalled, and, in fact, might be moving backward. This “more sex, less contraception” news is especially troubling when considering the latest adolescent birth data available. To read more, visit the National Campaign’s website for a press release and fact sheet or visit the CDC’s 2007 YRBS webpage.


Young People and HIV

This fact sheet, from Advocates for Youth, highlights disparities in HIV rates, sexual risk behaviors that put many young people in danger, factors which contribute to unequal risk for HIV/AIDS and effective strategies for HIV prevention among young people. To read more, visit www.advocatesforyouth.org.


Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes: How Abstinence-only Programs Harm Women and Girls

Legal Momentum released “Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes: How Abstinence-only Programs Harm Women and Girls,” a new report exposing the deceitful and sexist messages of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.  This report highlights the harm to our youth, women and girls in particular, of this government-funded program.


Achieving Quality Health Services for Adolescents

This American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement provides recommendations and criteria for assessment of the quality of primary care delivered to adolescents in the US, including information on issues of sexual health.


Kids Count Data Book

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the 19th annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, a national and state-by-state profile of the status of America’s children.


Using Incentives to Increase Participation in Out-of-School Time Programs

This new Child Trends brief provides key strategies for implementing a successful incentive program, including providing age-appropriate rewards to children, youth and families.

New Research

Adolescents’ STD Protective Attitudes Predict STD Acquisition in Early Adulthood

These findings, in the Journal of School Health, provide evidence suggesting that safer sex programs may benefit adolescents by fostering positive attitudes toward practices that avert STD acquisition. Read the abstract.


Adolescent Girls with Boyfriends Involved in Gangs are More Likely to Become Pregnant than Girls Whose Boyfriends Are Not in Gangs

In this study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers examined the relationship between exposure to gangs and pregnancy among adolescent girls from predominately Latino neighborhoods in San Francisco. This research highlights the importance of integrating reproductive health prevention into programs for gang-involved youth.


Study Examines Reproductive Outcomes in Subsequent Adolescents Births

A study in BMC Pregnancy Childbirth journal reports that adolescents who give birth twice have worse outcomes in their second pregnancy compared to adolescents who give birth for the first time. View the full report.


Article Examines Intervention to Prevent Recurrent STIs in Adolescent Populations of Color

Youth randomized to the SAFE [Sexual Awareness For Everyone] intervention had significant decreases in recurrent gonorrhea and chlamydia, state the authors of an article published in the June 2008 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In a previous randomized controlled trial, researchers found that the SAFE behavioral intervention significantly reduced the rate of recurrent gonorrhea and chlamydia infections among reproductive-age Mexican-American and African-American women. Read the abstract from this study.


Youth from Religious Families Engage in Less Risky Behavior

Youth from more religious families wait longer before having sex, according to a new Child Trends study, “Pathways from Family Religiosity to Adolescent Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use,” published in the June issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. This is due, in part, to higher levels of family cohesion in more religious families and adolescent involvement with friends who engage in positive behaviors. However, males in more religious families are less likely to use contraception consistently.


Teens Who Make ‘Virginity Pledges’ More Likely To Delay Sexual Activity

A recent online publication of the Journal of Adolescent Health included this new analysis, the latest attempt to determine whether virginity pledges are effective.


HIV Diagnoses among MSM Ages 13-24 Increasing by 12% Annually, CDC Report Says

The number of new HIV diagnoses recorded between 2001 and 2006 among men who have sex with men ages 13 to 24 increased by 12.4% annually, according to a study published Thursday in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Some experts said the findings are an “ominous … indicator” that the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to flourish among MSM, the New York Times reports.

MOAPPP Events

July 28–30, 2008
2008 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health
Sexual Health for All Youth: Are We There Yet?

Minnesota Department of Education Conference Center
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville

Sexual health for all young people—a challenging yet achievable goal—requires that every young person, even the most marginalized, have the skills for making healthy decisions. This institute offers three days of presentations and small group discussions led by national and local experts that focus on effective strategies for supporting healthy sexual development for all young people.  For more information, see the flyer and registration information. Registration deadline is July 16.


August 11, 2008
From Research to Practice: Designing Youth-Friendly Reproductive Health Services

1:00–5:00 p.m.
Rondo Community Outreach Library
461 North Dale Street, St. Paul

This workshop is for health educators, family planning clinic staff and youth-serving professionals. Laura Davis, Advocates for Youth, Washington, DC, reviews the latest research on adolescent contraceptive use, addresses best practices for youth-friendly reproductive health services, explores ways to expand contraceptive and condom access for underserved teens, and provides information on replicable, evaluated programs. This program is offered in conjunction with the Minnesota Reproductive Health Update.  For more information, see the flyer and registration form.  Questions?  Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or . Registration deadline is August 7.


August 12, 2008
Minnesota Reproductive Health Update

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
University of MN Continuing Education and Conference Center–St. Paul Campus
1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul

This training provides the latest information in reproductive health practice, research and technology.  Specialists in the field will address a range of topics including contraceptive technologies, marketing to male clients, cultural competence, STIs in Minnesota and adolescent health. This workshop is designed for nurses, clinicians, health educators and other health care providers who are interested in current information on reproductive health issues. Both nursing and CHES continuing education contact hours will be offered for this training. Registration information is available here.


September 18, 2008
Overcoming Health Barriers in Somali and East African Communities of Minnesota

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Center for Families
3333 North 4th Street, Minneapolis

A comprehensive understanding of the needs, knowledge, religious and cultural beliefs about general and sexual health is critical to improving the health and wellness of refugee youth and families in the Somali and East African communities of Minnesota. This training, led by Dr. Osman M. Ahmed, will cover health promotion and education, disease prevention, religious and economic barriers, myths and facts about contraceptive use and sexual health issues. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what is needed to engage these communities, overcome barriers and provide culturally responsive services and support. For more information, see the flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19 or [email protected]. Registration deadline is September 15.


September 24, 2008
Teen Pregnancy Prevention 101

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
American Red Cross
1301 West Saint Germain, St. Cloud

This training is intended for professionals new to the field of teen pregnancy prevention. Participants will review the basics of teen pregnancy prevention including pregnancy, STI and birth statistics; trends in teen pregnancy and sexual behaviors; basics of adolescent growth and development; risk and protective factors associated with teen pregnancy; and prevention strategies that work. Each participant will leave with a basic understanding of current research and resources in teen pregnancy prevention, what to do to promote adolescent sexual health and where to go for more information and support. For more information and to register for this training visit, see the event flyer and registration form. For questions, contact Lorie Alveshere at 651-644-1447 x12 or [email protected].


October 1, 23 & 29, 2008
Relationship Matters: Promoting Secure Attachment in Young Families

Three Locations
October 1, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. – Rondo Community Library, St. Paul
October 23, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. – First Lutheran Church, Bemidji
October 29, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. – Blue Earth Public Library, Mankato

Relationship drives many aspects of infant development, including cognitive, emotional and social development.  This workshop focuses on the importance of relationship—between parents and children and between adolescent parents and the professionals who work with them—and how these relationships foster the healthy development of children. It also highlights the strengths and challenges experienced by adolescent parents and their children, and the role every provider can play in enhancing the lives of these young families. For more information, see the flyer and event registration form. Questions? Contact Marilyn Colby Rivkin at 651-644-1447 x15 or [email protected].

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Events

 Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed

MOAPPP is a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed. The Coalition advocates for policies on sexuality education and access to confidential health care for minors. Here is a list of Coalition events for 2008. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.

No Coalition Events for July 2008

Other Events

August 12–December 16, 2008
Cultural Competency Workshop Series

6:00–7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood House
179 Robie Street East, St. Paul

Minnesota’s demographics have changed over the past few decades as immigrants and refugees from all over the world have settled throughout our state. The 2008 Cultural Competency Workshop Series will help you learn about these new members of our community and build your understanding of the economic and cultural benefits they bring with them. For more information, call 651-789-2571 or email [email protected].