School policy changed to reduce sexually-transmitted diseases, teen pregnancy

July 12, 2001 … In an effort to reduce the high numbers of sexually-transmitted diseases and pregnancy among Hartford teens, a policy change to expand the health education curriculum and reproductive health services has been approved by the Hartford Public Schools. The recommendations were presented to the Hartford Public Schools Board of Trustees at their June meeting by School Superintendent Anthony Amato, and approved, following public comment, during a second reading at the July 10 meeting.

 The recommendations were the result of an AIDS/STD/Teen Pregnancy Prevention committee initiative formed by Breaking the Cycle, Hartford’s campaign to prevent teen pregnancy. Breaking the Cycle is a partnership of the City of Hartford, the Hartford Action Plan on Infant Health and the Hartford Public Schools. 

  “The occurrences of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) are at alarming levels among adolescents in Hartford,” said Superintendent Amato.  “Research shows that more than half of Hartford youth are sexually active by ninth grade. The school system can, and should, play an important role in educating and protecting our youth.”

 In Hartford during 2000, youth ages 10-19 accounted for 633 cases of Chalamydia out of 1620, and 211 cases of Gonorrhea out of 688, with Gonorrhea cases among teens increasing 44% from the previous year.  Plus, many Hartford teens have an STD and do not know they are infected. A recent study at one community health center in Hartford showed that nearly 60% of those who tested positive for Chlamydia did not have any symptoms. One third of the study participants were adolescents.  Youth who are at risk for STDs such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are also at risk for HIV/AIDS.

 The foundation for the committee’s recommendations is based upon the Center for Disease Control’s Healthy People 2010 Objectives and include:

 Health Education

  • All ninth grade students will be required to have a minimum of a half-year of health education;

  • All middle school students will take a minimum of a half-year of comprehensive health education in both the 7th and 8th grades. This half-year course will be offered separately from the special subjects (art, music, physical education, etc.)

  • The Hartford Public Schools will provide for regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the health education curriculum and will make modification, as necessary, to achieve results.

 School Based Health Clinics

  • Medical services offered through all the school-based clinics will include comprehensive reproductive health and mental health services including contraception. Counseling will be provided to assist young people in making decisions about their health.

 Parental Involvement

  • Parents will be given the opportunity to receive training on how to communicate with their children on issues of sexuality.

  • Parents will have the opportunity to review all health education curriculum.

  • Reproductive health care will only be provided to students who have written parent permission to receive clinic services.

For more information about these policy changes, or to obtain a full copy of the committee’s report, contact Breaking the Cycle at (860) 236-4872.

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