'Making Proud Choices'
Program designed to prevent teen pregnancy
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

DHEC's Meredith Talford informs youths at Limestone Courts about the dangers of sexual activity.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Cherokee County Communities in Schools joined forces Thursday at Limestone Courts in an effort to help educate youngsters about the dangers of irresponsible sexual behavior.

"Such a program is needed not just in Limestone Courts, but all over the community," said Edward Surratt, project director of the Cherokee County Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (CCC). "Sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy are prevalent everywhere - whether it be city, county, state or nationally."

The program, which is named "Making Proud Choices," is made possible by a $4,600 mini-grant provided by the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (SCC), the objective of which is to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or infections.

A study by the campaign estimates persons between the ages of 10-19 accounted for close to 10,000 pregnancies statewide last year.

Cherokee County ranked 22nd in comparison to other counties across the state, but is third in pregnancies among teens between 15 to 17 years of age. There is also concern about the volume of gonnorhea infections here for residents of all ages. The county ranks seventh among the state's 46 counties.

Meredith Talford, a HIV/AIDS health educator with DHEC, made the trip from Spartanburg to speak with a group of 10 youths at the event, explaining everything from protection and pregnancy to STD's.

"Right now you have everything to look forward to," Talford said. "But if you were a football player and you ended up fathering a child, would you be able to carry the baby up the field with you...I don't think so."

The youths in attendance were able to ask questions to both Talford and Surratt during the presentation. According to Surratt, the fact that they asked questions is a good sign in their development.

"It is great to see that they are receptive to what we are teaching and are becoming aware of their bodies," Surratt said. "While abstinence is the chief message, we know all will not do so. But they are definitely open to what we are teaching them and are learning."

The program will conclude next week. Surratt hopes to continue spreading the message of abstinence and safe sex by going to churches, businesses, clubs and organizations throughout the county.