WASHINGTON, DC-December 5, 2001 - "Be On The Safe Side," is the District's
largest community awareness campaigns about preventing teen pregnancy kicks
off its second phase with a video launch party. The DC Department of Human Services,
Income Maintenance Administration (DHS/IMA), and MEE (Motivational Educational
Entertainment) Productions Inc., are pleased to unveil their new Much Respect
for DC Youth teen pregnancy prevention video, created for teens, by teens.
The video launch party will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 from 4:30-6:30
p.m. at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, 13th Floor, Washington,
DC 20045. It will also introduce area teens, local community groups and government
officials to a citywide, multi-media campaign designed to prevent teen pregnancy
among youth ages 12-17.
"We are pleased to present the Much Respect for DC Youth video to our
community," says Carolyn W. Colvin, DHS Director. "This video is one of the
most visible components of the teen-driven "Be On The Safe Side" Campaign.
We are excited to provide youth, adults and providers with a free and user-friendly
video that will help them discuss issues that range from abstinence to pregnancy
prevention."
The 25-minute video captures the realities and voices of teens living in the
Washington, DC metropolitan area. It combines "straight from the streets" interviews
with teenagers, in addition to short, real-life mini-dramas and "rap" sessions.
The video presents DC youth in familiar community settings, passionately discussing
their points of view on topics related to teen pregnancy prevention and responsible
sexual behavior.
"Much Respect for DC Youth stimulates dialogue among teens and adults
around the choices and consequences of early sexual activity," says Kate Jesberg,
DHS/IMA Administrator. "Over the last ten years, the number of teens giving
birth has decreased almost by half. We continued that dramatic downward trend
last year when just over one thousand teen girls in the District had a baby.
By having a community-wide discussion about teen sexuality issues, we are aggressively
working to reduce teen pregnancy in DC."
MEE Productions Inc., a local communications and research company, is implementing
the "Be On The Safe Side" Campaign across all wards of the city. Other
components of this campaign, launched this fall, include radio commercials;
outreach by Washington, DC youth who provide peer-to-peer education; partnerships
with community-based organizations that provide programs and services to teens;
brochures, posters and postcards with campaign information; and Satellite Resource
Centers that distribute campaign materials and other important information on
youth services and resources.
For information on the "Be On The Safe Side" Campaign, contact Janice
Reuben at 202-296-2601.
