Every May brings reflection as it has traditionally been Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and data from state and national sources, we are proud to present a new report on teen pregnancy/birth and adolescent sexual health in Missouri.

Even as teen births have declined in recent years, there continue to be areas of Missouri where rates remain high. Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have not seen the same downward trend and other health and community outcomes vary widely between Missouri counties. In the report Teen Pregnancy and Adolescent Sexual Health in Missouri: Factors, Trends, and Impact (which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page), data is combined in multiple ways to highlight counties and regions of our state where the health of young people is being impacted. This report is intended to provide an overview of existing resources and trends that draws stakeholders together to explore local data, gather additional input from young people, and create programs that will promote adolescent sexual health. 

We hope this report is only the beginning of more discussion and local partnership to support young people in creating the future they want for themselves and their community. It is also being released at a critical time as the Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the federal funding opportunity for the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program. For more information related to the report or for ideas on how the Teen Pregnancy & Prevention Partnership can support your community in promoting adolescent sexual health, please contact TPPP.