Making Proud Choices is a comprehensive approach to reduce STDs, HIV, and Pregnancy. This eight-week curriculum is designed to empower adolescents to change their behavior in ways that reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV, STDs, and significantly decrease their chances of being involved in an unintended pregnancy. The program acknowledges that abstinence is the most effective way to eliminate these risks. However, realizing that abstinence is not the path that every young person will choose, the program encourages the practice of safer sex and condom use. Additionally, underlying attitudes and beliefs regarding condoms are addressed through the Making Proud Choices curriculum and group exercises. Youth receive education of correct condom use while developing the confidence needed to choose and negotiate safer-sex practices.

Sessions:

• Getting to know you and steps to making your dreams come true
• The consequences of sex: HIV infection
• Attitudes and Beliefs about HIV/AIDS and condom use
• Strategies for preventing HIV Infection: Stop, think and act
• The consequences of sex: STDs and Correct Condom Use
• The consequences of sex: Pregnancy and contraception
• Developing condom use skills and negotiation skills
• Enhancing refusal and negotiation skills

This comprehensive Live Skills Program is a result of a grant designed to reduce teen pregnancy in Catawba County awarded to the Council on Adolescents in the fall of 2003 by the North Carolina Department of Human Resources. Local sponsors include: Krispy Kreme, Chic-fil-A, Tar Heel Capital (Wendy’s) and Subway. Collaborating agencies include the Hickory Public Schools, Hickory Housing Authority, and Ridgeview Recreation Center, as well as the Catawba County Health Department’s Totally Teen Health Center, ALFA and the Family Guidance Center’s First Step Program. The Council on Adolescents is a United Way agency.

For more information, call 828-322-4591.