by Barbara Huberman, Director, Education and Outreach

Every year, Advocates for Youth sponsors National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM). Observed each May by states and communities throughout the country, NTPPM seeks to involve communities in promoting and supporting effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. Councils and other pregnancy prevention organizations continue to initiate new and innovative ideas that work to dismantle structural barriers and help young people make informed decisions about their health.

From  the work EyesOpenIowa  is doing with their cutting edge ‘Txt’ program for teens in Iowa, to events held by organizations around the United States,  it is clear that the momentum behind  NTPPM is growing. Throughout the month we hope you continue to share your NTPPM activities with us.

We also invite you to check out our recently updated National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM) Planning Guidebook on our NTPPM page.

This guidebook will provide you with strategic tips and examples to help your local community plan and implement activities for NTPPM and beyond. It also includes fact sheets, guidance for involving youth and working with the media, and sample forms.

Throughout the month we’ve sent out interesting facts and news articles on our Advocates Facebook page and @Advocatestweets. Please join the conversation using #TPPM.

With your help we know we can make National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month an effective year-round catalyst to highlight and promote sexual health information and services for teens.