Teen pregnancy awareness group looks for members

Monday, July 30, 2001 | 9:41 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Health Division says it is accepting applications for those who want to serve in a new program whose goal is to prevent or delay early sexual activities and teen pregnancy among the unmarried.

The Legislature created the 13-member State Partnership to raise public awareness of the problems of teen pregnancy. The group is authorized to accept donations and federal funds and allocate them to prevention programs in the counties.

The law specifies there must be representatives from the state Department of Education, public schools, the juvenile justice system and Family Court.

The law also requires a health care specialist, someone from a faith-based organization, and a parent. Additionally, the panel by law must include someone from a child-placement agency, two people from different populations with high rates of teen pregnancy and two at-large representatives.

The State Partnership will also advise the health division on a marketing campaign to reduce teen pregnancies.

Applications may be obtained from the Bureau of Health Services, which can be reached by calling (775) 684-4285, or from the Health Division website (www.health2k.state.nv. us).

The applications must be submitted by Aug. 15 to the Health Division, Bureau of Family Health Services, c/o Brady Janes, 505 King St., Room 200, Carson City, NV 89701.

Yvonne Sylva, administrator of the health division, will make the appointments some time in August.

This State Partnership must meet at least six times every two years and produce a report for the Legislature.