WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Thursday announced $155 million in teen pregnancy prevention grants to various states, nonprofit organizations, school districts, universities and others — including $525,624 to Utah organizations. The money will be used to replicate prevention programs proven effective by rigorous research, as well as to test innovative new approaches to prevent teen pregnancy.
Through competitive bid, $100 million was funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act and is and administered by the Office of Adolescent Health, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.
Another $55 million comes from the Personal Responsibility Education Program, funded under the Affordable Care Act and administered by the Administration for Children and Families. Most of that is formula grants to the 46 states (including D.C.) and territories that applied for funding. Under the statute, states must use these funds for programs that replicate evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention strategies and incorporate other adult responsibility subjects such as maintaining healthy relationships, improving communication with parents, and financial literacy. Programs must incorporate lessons about both abstinence and contraception. The remainder of the funds was awarded competitively to test innovative approaches to reducing teen pregnancy and repeat pregnancy among those under the age of 21.
Utah's grant will go through the Division of Family Health and Preparedness, within the Utah Department of Health.