[Archived] Alexandria Enlists Community in Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy


News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	Tuesday, September 14, 1999
Contact:	Angelita Plemmer, City Manager's Office, (703) 838-4300

Alexandria Enlists Community in Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Problem-solving Forum Scheduled and Television Ad Launched

The City of Alexandria, which has the highest teen pregnancy rate in Northern Virginia, is mobilizing citizens in a community forum to discuss teen pregnancy and unveil a new Alexandria television ad, "Need You Now," directed at teen pregnancy prevention.

Alexandria Mayor Kerry J. Donley, members of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Reducing Teen Pregnancy and the Interagency Consortium on Adolescent Pregnancy are sponsoring the forum on Thursday, September 23, from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m., at the T.C. Williams High School Career Center Auditorium, located at 3330 King Street.

The purpose of the forum, Charting the Course --- Problem-Solving Session to Reduce Adolescent Pregnancy in Alexandria, is to educate citizens about the problem of teen pregnancy and to encourage citizens to join the Mayor and other agencies in developing strategies to address the issue of teen pregnancy.

"Alexandria's teen pregnancy rate is twice that of Arlington's rate," Donley said. "This is a community problem that must involve all citizens in the problem-solving process.

"As a community, we must find ways to ensure that our young people are equipped to make responsible decisions," he added.

During the forum, participants will divide into discussion groups and, with the assistance of trained facilitators, will consider the following questions:

Why are teens motivated to avoid pregnancy?

Who influences teens in Alexandria?

Where are Alexandria teens likely to see and absorb messages?

How can we get every segment of the Alexandria community involved in addressing teen pregnancy?

Facilitators will compile the results of each group's discussion and a final summary report will be available through the Mayor's Office. Persons interested in receiving the report should call (703) 838-4500.

In addition to the group discussions, forum sponsors will air publicly, for the first time, a professionally-created 30-second ad, "Need You Now," which features a diverse group of teens who ask adults to talk with them about sex and values. The ad was created to further Alexandria's campaign to prevent teen pregnancy. The City also has engaged the help of Williams Whittle Associates in the development of a comprehensive communications campaign. All citizens are encouraged to participate in the event, including Youth Council members, civic association representatives, students, teachers, parents, grandparents, Interfaith Council members and other interested citizens.

To RSVP for the event, call (703) 838-0787. Interested citizens who cannot attend may e-mail their concerns to: rmf51@northern.dss.state.va.us

Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500 (TTY/TDD 838-5056). We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.