Description of the problem In Santa Maria, California the percentage of births to teenage mothers in 1998 was 6.7%. The goal of Healthy People 2010 is a teenage pregnancy rate of 4.6%. In order to identify the needs of the teen parent population several focus groups were held with pregnant and parenting teens. The outcomes revealed that the use of a community and systems-focused approach would be necessary to meet the needs of these teens. Public health nurses (PHNs) in the community have typically approached teen parents on an individual level, PHN intervention at the community and systems level was needed to improve the health of the teen parent community. Innovation Meetings between community agencies serving teen parents and teen parents were organized by the PHN with the goal of integrating services and increasing community involvement with the teen community. Representatives from the Department of Social Services for Santa Barbara County plan to work with “Team Teen” to address the needs the teen parents have (childcare and jobs) as well as working on a program to prevent teen pregnancies in the community (a project both the agency and the teen parents want to work on). Implications Action taken by the PHN to integrate teen parent involvement with programs designed to meet their needs has lead to a community and systems-approach that will enhance the effect that these programs have on the health of the population they serve. Recommendations Increase the scope of the intervention to include a greater population of teenagers in the community.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Maternal/Child Health Community Leadership Institute
Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Teen-Age Parenting Program, Department of Social Services
Section of Public Health Nursing Minnesota Department of Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
Grant submitted to Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services