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Teen Pregnancy Rates in Bay County Decrease
07/24/09 - 05:10 PM
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Teen pregnancy… It’s a problem that communities continue to deal with.  While recent numbers show that national statistics are decreasing, Florida’s are increasing.

Bay County is doing better than the rest of the state.  Statistics from the Florida Department of Health actually show Bay County’s rates decreasing. 

The House of Grace in Lynn Haven is a Christian inistry that tries to help expecting teenagers prepare for motherhood.

The ministry takes in teens who need help during their pregnancy.  The House of Grace functions as a group home and counseling center to try and help expecting teens formulate a post pregnancy plan.  Director Laura Knetzer says the biggest challenge to overcome involves a girl’s family dynamic.  The way a girl is raised can have a huge effect.

This home is a rare place for solace for teen mothers.  According to recently released statistics although the national pregnancy rate has decreased, Florida’s has increased slightly.

Luckily Bay County doesn’t reflect this trend.

Tammy Stewart is the coordinator of Freedom 180, a program through the Bay County Health Department that teaches abstinence in schools.  She believes educating students has helped lower the pregnancy rate in Bay County.

To check out the entire state’s statistics click on the link below:

http://www.floridacharts.com/charts/chart.aspx