Algoma has more young mothers

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH

************************* Algoma Public Health releases report on sexual and prenatal health in Algoma

Algoma Public Health has released a new report on sexual and prenatal health in Algoma.

The report focuses on the reproductive and sexual health status of Algoma residents and highlights trends, health outcomes and services available.

The information will assist community stakeholders in the ongoing development of local prenatal and sexual health services and inform individuals about healthy choices.

This report consists of reproductive and sexual health indicators, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and available prenatal and sexual health services at Algoma Public Health.

Highlights from the report include:

- Although live births to females 15-19 years and 20-24 years decreased for both Algoma and Ontario from 1986-2006, Algoma has relatively more live births to women ages 15-24 than Ontario

- 88 percent of Algoma participants in the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program 2007-08 reported their reason for attending was to get food, vouchers or food coupons compared to 38 percent in Ontario

- Both Algoma and Ontario have experienced similar rising trends over the last 10 years of lab-confirmed chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection. Since 2001, Algoma’s yearly chlamydia rates have been statistically higher than those of Ontario’s.

In addressing rising trends in chlamydia infection rates, Algoma Public Health has developed a new website entitled urlife.ca (your life).

With today’s advanced technology, youth go online to find their information.

By providing relevant health information that is easy to access, youth are encouraged to take responsibility and make informed healthy choices.

“Certain behaviors can put anyone at risk, so knowing the facts can be an important first step in making healthy choices,” says Public Health Nurse Kristy Eagleson. “Algoma Public Health urges people to take precautions to protect themselves and to get tested.”

Algoma Public Health also works with community partners to address prenatal trends through innovative strategies such as the Young Parents Connection (YPC).

This initiative supports young mothers to complete their education, increase their parenting capacity and promote their sense of belonging.

Jennifer Miller, a public health nurse with the program reports that, “Roughly 30 individuals attend either the prenatal, postpartum, or toddler parenting classes or community kitchens at the YMCA on a weekly basis.”

YPC has been running successfully for four years in collaboration with many community partners.

Due to this success, Algoma Public Health was invited to showcase the program at the Annual Provincial Best Start Conference and the National CAPC/CPNP conference in 2009.

Please click here to download the full report.

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