The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, September 24, 1995             TAG: 9509220186
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS      PAGE: 18   EDITION: FINAL 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   28 lines

TEEN PREGNANCY PROGRAM RECEIVES FUNDING

The Portsmouth Health District received a grant of $185,650 from the Virginia Assembly to fund an existing Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program until June 30, 1996.

The program is run by the Portsmouth Health Department in conjunction with the Portsmouth Better Beginnings Coalition. It provides public awareness, education, skill building workshops, teen groups, life skills training and parental involvement.

The health department's Female Health Clinic will continue to provide outreach and medical services. Pregnant teens and mothers will receive additional support services through the Resource Mothers program.

A Teen Advisory Subcommittee has been formed by the Better Beginnings Coalition to assist with peer education and public awareness.

The goal of cooperation among the agencies, community programs and individuals is a reduction of sexual activity among youth and lower health risks for sexually active teens. by CNB