CAAAP Coalition
(Community Alliance Against Adolescent Pregnancy)

     Did you know that Mississippi County has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the state of Missouri? The CAAAP Coalition is a community-wide effort in Mississippi County to help combat the county's teen pregnancy problem. Community agencies, organizations and school representatives from various sectors of the county work together to obtain three particular goals surrounding teen pregnancy.

• Reduce Teen Pregnancy Rate.
• Increase Community Awareness about Teen Pregnancy.
• Increase Parental Involvement in the Lives of Teens.

     These representatives meet once a month to brainstorm strategies to reach these goals. Strategies, thus far, include: Sexual Awareness Training, "It's Time to Talk" Parent Forums, "A Time for Us" Mother/Daughter Events & "Guys' Night Out" Father/Son Events. No direct federal or state dollars are generated for the contingency of this program. The members of CAAAP solicit donations and coordinate fundraisers to incur and costs associated with the program.

     Don't look at the teen pregnancy problem and feel that as long as it's not affecting your home, it's not your problem. This is a problem that effects everyone, because it's happening in our communities. In the end, teen mothers cost our communities money, talents and a brighter future.

Please help the CAAAP Coalition and our teens.
Your time and/or donations are greatly appreciated,

Facts

• Mississippi County has the 3rd Highest Teen Pregnancy Rate for counties in Missouri (Ranked 113/115 counties).
• Between 1999-2002, there were a total of 224 pregnant teens. Of that number, 6 teens had abortions.
• Between 1999-2002, a grand total of 224 teens under age 20 became pregnant.

Teen Mothers in the Charleston & East Prairie School Districts

Prevalent Secually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) in the County

• In 2002, Miss. Co. had the highest gonorrhea case in the Southeast (20 county) HIV Region - - - 34% were teenagers.
• In 2002, Miss. County had 2nd highest chlamydia rate in Southeast (20 county) HIV Region - - - 45.4% were teenagers.
• Some other STD's in the county include: Syphilis (curable), herpes, genital warts & HIV/AIDS (all incurable).