Outreach & Prevention
The Education Department reaches out to local youth with programs and services that are provided free of charge. Client eligibility is determined by program staff. Current community education programs include:
Safe Passages
Safe Passages,a teen pregnancy prevention program, began in March 1992. Today, the Safe Passages Outreach Educator works with teen girls in Alachua County who are at risk for pregnancy. The Outreach Educator acts as a mentor and guides teen clients through a health education curriculum focusing on pregnancy prevention, self-esteem and goal setting. Teens are referred to the program by nurses, social workers, guidance counselors and family members. Counseling and education is provided via continuous face-to-face visits and follow-up support. This program is supported by United Way of North Central Florida.
RISKY (Responsible Investment in Sexual Knowledge for Youth) Business
RISKY Business, a free teen clinic, began in September 2000. This program combines health education and clinical services in an accessible, personalized manner. The RISKY Business Outreach Educator teaches Alachua County teens to navigate the "risky business" of adolescence and life circumstances that may put them at risk, in a way that promotes safety and security and promises healthier lives. RISKY Business provides a safe and confidential setting to receive no-cost clinical services and health education to young men and women. Services provided to RISKY Business clients include gynecological exams, male exams, contraception, pregnancy testing, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and HIV testing and counseling. This program is supported by the Alachua County Community Agency Partnership Program.
Peer Education
Peer Education targets teen youth in Leon County, both male and female, who are willing and interested in learning leadership skills and sexual health information and to share that information with their peers. The Peer Education Outreach Educator teaches young men and women (the Peer Educators) fact-based, medically accurate information regarding sexual healthcare, sexuality, healthy relationships and responsible decision-making. Peer Educators in turn use the knowledge and skills they have gained to educate their peers. This program is supported by United Way of the Big Bend.
For more information about Outreach & Prevention, or to enroll a client, contact the Education Department at 352-376-9000.
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