The new Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative will allow us to develop a more robust approach to screening, educating and communicating on how to improve sexual health practices and reduce unintended pregnancies. The generosity of the Jerome L. Greene Foundation will enable us to help teens achieve their academic and personal goals.
— David Appel, M.D., director, Montefiore School Health Program
Montefiore/Greene Foundation Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative
Dr. John Leo of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore consults with a patient at the Montefiore School Health Program Lehman High School Clinic.
Dr. John Leo of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore meets with staff members at the Lehman High School Clinic.
Dr. David Appel, director of the Montefiore School Health Program and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative
Helping Kids Take Control of Their Futures
JLGreene has joined with its long-time partner, Montefiore Health System, in an intensive effort to address unintended teenage pregnancy in the Bronx. This Initiative will serve approximately 22,000 students in grades nine through 12 at 12 high school campuses, and will build upon the Montefiore School Health Program, the largest high school health program in the country, which provides comprehensive medical, dental, mental and community health services to students. As part of the Initiative, community health organizers will drive education efforts through school-wide communications strategies including classes, events, posters and informational tables, and youth support workers will identify “at risk” students who under-utilize health care services and work with them to take control of their health.
The goal of this Initiative is to produce a validated program aimed at reducing pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates by 50% within a three year period. A fundamental component of the program will be a rigorous analysis of its results. If the results are positive, the Foundation hopes that the Montefiore/Greene Foundation Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative will serve as a prototype for similar programs across the country.
