Lake Cumberland District Health Department

Project Overview: Lake Cumberland District Health Department (LCDHD) is partnering with 12 school districts in South Central Kentucky to replicate two programs proven effective through rigorous evaluation to reduce teenage pregnancy by reducing behavioral and other risk factors underlying teen pregnancy. Although Kentucky and the broader U.S. teen birth rates are declining, the targeted area which is made up of Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne Counties continues to struggle with high teen birth rates. Teen birth rates in the target counties exceed both the state and national rates. To address this problem, Health Educators will deliver Reducing the Risk and the Wyman Teen Outreach Program. The message will be bolstered by Teen Health Forum, creating a comprehensive awareness campaign, and providing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed education to school staff and the community at large.

Target Population: Ninth- and eleventh-grade high school students in South Central Kentucky

Geographic Area Served (Urbanicity of Community): 10 counties in South Central Kentucky (Rural)

Teen Birth Rate in Area Served (Per 1,000)*: 52