Framingham Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition Holds Stakeholders Luncheon
On Wednesday May 25, 2011, over 75 community stakeholders, committed to preventing teen pregnancy in Framingham, came together at the first Framingham Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition (FTPPC) Stakeholders Luncheon. This groundbreaking event convened leaders throughout the community and charged them with the task of engaging Framingham youth in reducing risky behaviors, encouraging a focus on their future, and participating in community mentoring programs, among other strategic activities.
The event was hosted by the FTPPC at MetroWest Medical Center and after a warm welcome from Andrei Soran, Medical Center CEO, the event featured Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Consuela Greene of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, and Jen Maseda of United Way of Tri-County. The discussion focused on the physical, social, emotional and economic impact of teen pregnancy, with a serious conversation about empowering parents to open lines of communication and build trust with their children. “Kids listen to their parents first and foremost.”, said Greene, “As our children grow up it seems they don’t want to talk to parents, but they are always listening.”
Smith commented that as a community, Framingham should be proud of their approach. “The Framingham community, as evidence from the group here today, is moving away from the ostrich approach to sexuality in youth. Ignoring the issue has too great a consequence for all of us.” Dr. Smith worked closely with the Gloucester community following the pregnancy “pact” incident.
To conclude the luncheon, Maseda reviewed the accomplishments of the Coalition and made the announcement that based in-part by their work over the past three years, the Framingham Public Schools have seen a 10% decrease in teen pregnancy. “We still have more work to do” Maseda commented. “Our contribution will be what did not happen to our young people.”
The group of stakeholders had candid conversations following the presentations, where questions were asked about how to adopt European prevention models and what strategies are necessary to engage different cultures.
About the Framingham Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition
The FTPPC is made up of local member organizations including the Framingham Public School system, MetroWest Medical Center, the Town Parks & Recreation, Board of Health and Human Services, United Way of Tri-County, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metrowest, and a variety of other civic and health related organizations.
We invite you to be part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
For more information on the Framingham Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition, please visit www.uwotc.org/ftppc.
