Press Releases
Year
Teen Birth Rates are Rising in Champaign County Despite a National Decrease
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2014
Contact
Jennifer Jackson, Health Educator II
(217) 531-2912
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Teen Birth Rates are Rising in Champaign County Despite a National Decrease
Comprehensive Sex Education is Necessary to Combat Teen Pregnancy
Champaign, IL – In preparation for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report on April 8, 2014 showing a decline in births to younger U.S. teens. Although younger teen births have declined nationally, the Champaign County teenage birth rate is rising slightly.
According to the CDC, the national rate of pregnancy among 15-17 year olds in 2012 was 14 births per 1,000 teens (1.4 percent). The Illinois Department of Public Health released provisional numbers showing that in Champaign County, the pregnancy rates for 15-17 year olds were 2.2 percent in 2012 and 2.3 percent in 2013 - higher than the national rate. These numbers represent an increase from the Champaign County 2011 birth rate for 1517 year olds, which was 1 percent. Teens overall (19 year olds and younger) accounted for 7 percent of births in Champaign County in 2012 and 2013, an increase from 6 percent in 2011.
Nikki Hillier, Program Coordinator at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) stated, “Champaign County teenage birth rates are somewhat higher than the national averages, which are already too high. We need targeted interventions to prevent teen pregnancy in our community. Teenage parents are more likely to drop out of school, have lower academic achievement and are more likely to have repeat births as teenagers.”
In the CDC’s press release announcing the teen pregnancy report, CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., stated, “Births to younger teens pose the greatest risk of poor medical, social and economic outcomes. Efforts to prevent teen childbearing need to focus on evidence-based approaches to delaying sexual activity and increasing use of the most effective methods of contraception for those teens who are sexually active.”
The CDC report had additional findings, including:
- Racial and ethnic disparities in teen pregnancy rates remain, suggesting the continued need for culturally appropriate interventions and services.
- Sexually active teens continue to use less effective contraceptives.
- Earlier delivery of prevention efforts may further increase abstinence and birth control use.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District offers teen pregnancy prevention services, including educational programs for junior high and high school students and walk-in family planning services (such as contraception, reproductive health exams, pregnancy health education and STD testing).
For more information:
www.c-uphd.org
www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0408-teen-births.html
www.idph.state.il.us/health/statshome.htm
###
ACA Enrollment Deadline Nears
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2014
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Jeffrey Kemp-Rinderle, Lead Agent Illinois Region 6 Implementation Program
(217) 531-1219
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
ACA Enrollment Deadline Nears
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Extends Office Hours for Affordable Care Act Sign-up
Champaign, IL –The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will extend hours starting next week to assist individuals with Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment. The current open enrollment period will end on March 31, 2014. CUPHD will have staff available from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM March 25th through March 31st with additional hours on Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
“Meeting the Affordable Care Act enrollment deadline is particularly important if someone is purchasing insurance through the Marketplace. While people can still sign up for Medicaid after the 31st, plans through the Marketplace can only be purchased if a significant life event occurs. The next open enrollment period begins November 15, 2014,” said Jeff Kemp-Rinderle, Lead Agent, Illinois Region 6 Implementation Program.
For more information on services at CUPHD, visit www.c-uphd.org.
###
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, March 8 at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2014
Contact
Alicia Ekhoff Dental Program Coordinator (217) 531-4538
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, March 8 at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign
The Illini District Dental Society, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Parkland College Dental Hygiene and SmileHealthy Participate in “Give Kids a Smile”
Champaign, IL – The Illini District Dental Society will sponsor Give Kids a Smile®
(GKAS) Day on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Fluid Events Center located at 601 N. Country Fair Drive in Champaign. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association® (ADA) that provides free oral healthcare services to children of low-income families.
On March 8, local dentists and hygienists are taking the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering time and services for GKAS and providing free dental exams, cleanings and fluoride varnish treatments to any child between the ages of 1 and 17. The oral health fair will offer a wide range of services and activities for everyone including: dental hygiene education; free toothbrushes; face painting; and visits and pictures with Flossie from the Illinois State Dental Society, the Tooth Fairy, and the Delta Dental Tooth Wizard. The Twin City Derby Girls will also be on hand to talk about their sport and the importance of wearing mouth guards. Appointments are not necessary; however, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child. There are no income or residency requirements to receive services at the fair.
According to Michael Ruffatto, DMD, local General Dentist and Secretary for the Illini District Dental Society, “The goal of the event is to create a fun atmosphere where children, and their parents, gain a greater understanding of the importance of good oral health. It also is an opportunity for local dental professionals to give back to their community. The need for affordable dental care continues to grow. Basic dental care is such an important part of a child’s overall health care, and all children deserve the opportunity to receive regular, preventative dental care and restorative dental care when needed. No child should have to suffer with tooth pain.”
For more information about the Give Kids a Smile® Oral Health Fair, please contact SmileHealthy at (217) 359-7404 or the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District at (217) 531-4538 or at www.c-uphd.org. Follow event updates on facebook at Illini Give Kids a Smile 2014.
###