Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council Dedicated to Preserving Family Values P.O. Box 66714, 38 King Street East, Stoney Creek, ON CANADA L8G 5E6

Sexual Health Network Update

April, 2005 As some of you may remember, the Hamilton-Wentworth Sexual Health Network was set up in June 1998 to address the high rates of teen pregnancy in the area. We consisted of various community organizations plus Public Health. Funding was provided by Public Health. The objectives were: To reduce the occurrence of risk behaviours and to encourage the postponement of sexual involvement of teens (14 to 19 Yrs). To work together to create, reinforce and expand strategies that promote positive self-esteem and decision making in preteens and teens. To actively involve teens, parents, and representatives from all populations within the community, including those for whom barriers* exist, and to develop programs responding to their needs. To address identified gaps and build on strengths in urgent sexual health programming. To make recommendations to the Regional Public Health Department and member organization/agencies as appropriate. To delegate appropriate tasks and activities to the Sexual Health Services Steering Committee which will report back to the Sexual Health Services network for final approval. * Barriers can include, but are not limited to: literacy level, language, culture, geography, social factors, life skills, education, economic circumstance, mental and physical ability. In 1998, the Idea's Program was started as a Pilot in the Hamilton Wentworth Schools. This program with teen mentors has continued with great success in addressing the above-mentioned concerns. In 2002, after much research and study, the "I'm Worth the Wait" Campaign was launched. Booklets were sent to the schools for parents and teachers in grades 5 - 8. Posters were prepared for bus shelters, schools and community centres frequented by teens. Two seminars for parents were held, which were well attended and greatly appreciated by the parents. The media was approached and participated in the campaign in June of that year. Unfortunately, funds for the community campaign were not available last year although the booklets were used in the schools. However, the good news now, is that funds have been found to re-launch the community campaign this April and the posters will be up on the buses again. If you are pleased, call your alderperson and register your thoughts. We are pleased with the results of our efforts and the impact on our teens. Lynne Scime, HWFAC representative to Sexual Health Network. (Lynne Scime represents HWFAC has been actively involved in the Sexual Health Network since it's inception. The impact of her presence and staying power has been tremendous)

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Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council (CFAC Hamilton Branch) P.O. Box 66714, 38 King Street East, Stoney Creek, ON CANADA L8G 5E6