Teen Birth Rate Steadily Decreases in West Virginia
Recently released data shows that West Virginia is ranked 44th nationally in overall well-being. The Kids Count Data Book, an annual 50-state report developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, analyzes how children are faring across America.
Although West Virginia is ranked 44th nationally, the most recent data indicates improvements in several areas. One particular area that Mission West Virginia is excited about is the drop in birth rates among teenagers.
Mission WV’s THINK program has provided effective, evidence-based reproductive health education since 2007. The teen birth rate in West Virginia has decreased 56.8% since the beginning of the program and nearly 5.5% in the past year. Mission WV staff partly attributes the decline to young people being more equipped with education and healthcare services that encourage positive sexual health and wellness practices.
“We know that when young people live in communities where sex education and reproductive health care are widely available, they make informed decisions about their sexual health,” says Program Director, Jill Gwilt. “We’re thrilled to see such positive outcomes as a result of educators, schools, and healthcare entities working together to ensure that young people in our state have every opportunity to receive evidence-based sexual health education.”
The teen birth rate decrease not only signifies improved health metrics for adolescents, but also carries long-term benefits for the state’s overall well-being, including enhanced educational attainment, economic stability, and healthier communities.
However, progress doesn’t always mean victory. Many West Virginians still live in areas without sex education and sexual healthcare services. This lack of access creates an unequal playing field across the state.
“Those who live in communities or school districts that do not provide sexual health and education services are at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other areas where these opportunities exist,” says Gwilt. “It’s important to raise awareness about these disparities and advocate for an expansion of services to ensure a more equitable West Virginia.”
Mission WV encourages parents and trusted adults to begin educating themselves and the young people in their lives about sexual health and local resources. You can learn more and access resources at MissionWV.org.
About the THINK Program:
THINK empowers teens to make positive life choices through education, life skills, and coaching. Our evidence-based program helps the students we work with navigate the social-emotional pressures all teens face as they develop. This includes building healthy relationships, healthy choices around their own bodies, and pregnancy prevention. To learn more about Mission WV’s THINK program or to partner with Mission WV, call 866-CALL-MWV or visit missionwv.org.
About Mission WV
Mission West Virginia is leading a statewide effort to promote positive futures for all kids in West Virginia. We work alongside families as they navigate West Virginia’s foster care system and provide evidence-based life skills education to help teens envision and create positive futures. As a result of our work putting kids first in collaboration with social services, school districts, private foster care agencies, and other nonprofits, the future looks brighter for West Virginia. Learn more at www.missionwv.org.