Straight UP is Teen Health-Abstinence education program that was initiated in 1995. Currently, Straight UP sponsors abstinence seminars. These conferences provide intense abstinence education and deals with the pressures of premarital sex, and its consequences, the importance of proper decision making in regards to teens life choices. The program stresses the importance of the social, psychological and health gains of abstinence. Straight UP also provides vital information on character development with education in goal setting, making the best decisions, developing the best relationships, overcoming peer pressure and being assertive. Other health concerns are covered, such as healthy choices in nutrition, basic body care, managing stress, and proper exercise. The objective is to develop community, cultural and age-appropriate messages on health concerns for youth. The messages developed are crafted to encourage youth to be the absolute best they can. Parenting classes are available and reinforce and encourage the need for strong parental relationship, presence, and support.
Program Highlights:
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70% of students interviewed after 5 years of attending sessions say that they have made informed decisions regarding sexual abstinence.
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Parental workshops are highly praised for the message and the delivery.
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Have received Florida Department of Health Funding for Abstinence Education Grants.
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Disseminate information and have work sessions through setting such as Pine Hills and John Bridges Community Centers, church groups and local youth organizations (Every Kid Outreach, LANES)