Parents, get involved

Dear Editor,

In recognition of May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, People's Family Health Services encourages parents to get involved to help continue the effort to reduce local rates of adolescent pregnancy.

Teen mothers are more likely to drop out of school, and only about a third obtain a high school diploma. Teen pregnancies are associated with an increased rate of delinquent behaviors in the fathers, including alcohol and substance abuse, lower educational level, and reduced earning potential.

In the U.S., the annual cost of teen pregnancies from lost tax revenues, public assistance, child health care, foster care, and involvement with the criminal justice system is estimated to be about $7 billion.

Parents should start talking to their children when they are young and keep the conversation going as they grow older. Waiting for "The Talk" is not enough.

Be adept at explaining all the reasons they should abstain from sex. The clinic at 111 West C Street. in McCook has free resources to help parents deal with this issue in, their children's lives.

Sincerely,

Becky Brooks

Clinic Manager

People's Family Health Services