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`} 4 II. Program Activities A. Teen' Services Teen Emphasis During F'Y '7$-'79 the Orange County Health Department received addi~ tional fltndir~ ($15,200) for program expansion. The department, being cognizant of the implications and extent of teenage childbearing in the county, elected to use these additional funds for the initial develop- _ _ went of a teenage pregnancy prevention prog-dm.. _, . • ..... ~ - .. . A total of 55 births occurred to women 17 and under in Orange County• - in ~ 1977 , as Gompax.ed . to. 53 . births in 197 6. During 1977., Orange County- "' - _- .- . tee~ 17 and under had an estimated 144 abortions. -, . - The emphasis of the Teen Health Program has been twofold; to pro- -_. ,_ _ vide teens with educational experiences in which they can aequi.re the necessary knowledge needed for responsible decision making regarding sexuality, and to provide comprehensive clinical, services to teenagers desiring birth control. Two half-time Health Educator I's were employed in October tp help meet the broad educational objectives of the program. _ OriR}'nally the department had hoped to provide clinical. services for , teens at a time and in a situation convenient and comfortable for them. A teen health clinic was initiated on a once-a-month basis, from 3:30 to 6:00 P.M., both in Chapel Hill and Hillsborou~i. Several. articles appeared in local newspapers discussing teenage childbearing to create con~ua~nity awareness of the problem and publicize the clinics. A leaflet.describ}ng th ' ~ clinic was developed and distributed among the public schools and various ca'rununity agencies. A fla11 range of clinical services were pravided,.in- cluding a family planning orientation educational. session geared for new patients. After being in operation for approximately 3z months, evaluation of clinical operations revealed that teens preferred to attend the regular family planning clinics, held at earlier hours. In light of this evalua- tion, the department decided to combine the regular family plannir~ clinic with teen clinic. To more adequately meet the needs of area teens, clinic day far family planning is being changed '~ creded to,meetlbotht he needs only clinic day. Clinic hours are being expan of teens and the needs of working persons. Patient education Glasses are being offered twice a day during clinic hou.-s for new patients and other interested persons by the health educators. The community education component of the Teen Program has become more focused and directed with the aid of the two half-time health educators. Initial efforts included meeting with existing youth groups and assessing their needs and interests in regards to sexuality and family life education. Recreation department teen groups, youth councils, and neighborhood groups have already proved receptive to educational efforts. A standing committee comprised of various community members has been formed to help in the establishment of a teen health council(s). Members of this committee include a public health nurse, health educators, a social worker, a school psychologist and a UNC faculty member.