Universidad Central del Caribe

Project Name: Improving Adolescent Sexual Health Equity and Preventing Teenage Pregnancy in Puerto Rico (IMPACT-PR)

Project Overview: Universidad Central del Caribe/IRESA (Institute of Research, Education, and Services in Addiction) will implement the Improving Adolescent Sexual Health Equity and Preventing Teenage Pregnancy in Puerto Rico (IMPACT-PR) project which aims to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV. IMPACT-PR will deliver an evidence-based, culturally relevant, and adapted program to youth in the northern coastline area of the Island. The project will integrate adulthood preparation subjects to educate youth on the benefits of forming healthy relationships, parent-child communication, and life skills. Finally, the project will link youth with local community partners and other agencies to strengthen adolescent health outcomes equitably and mitigate disparities. The project aims to recruit up to 3,000 youth per year from four different settings, including public middle and high schools and three types of healthcare settings.

Communities Served: Municipalities in the northern coastline area of PR, including Arecibo, Barceloneta, Isabela, Quebradillas, Aguada, and Aguadilla

Target Population: Youth ages 11-17

Geographic Area Served (Urbanicity of Community): Municipalities in the northern coastline area of PR, including Arecibo, Barceloneta, Isabela, Quebradillas, Aguada, and Aguadilla (Urban) 

Average Anticipated Number of Youth Served Annually: 3,000