G-CAPP Policy and Advocacy News

THINKING FROM THE WAIST UP
Latino Teen Pregnancy: Confronting the Truth in Order to Make a Difference

By Michele Ozumba, President & CEO of G-CAPP

On the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, we at G-CAPP would like to say felicidades! I hope every Georgian took the time to appreciate the culture, history and overall contribution Latinos have made to our state and nation. In our line of work we meet so many powerful people who overcome insurmountable odds to enjoy the ‘American Dream.’ For this reason alone we remain steadfast and diligent in our effort to eliminate teen pregnancy in Georgia, especially as it relates to young Latinos.

During the last decade, teen pregnancy has reduced by 30 percent nationally, except in 2006 which experienced a 3 percent increase. With the implementation of comprehensive sex education in school curriculums, the establishment of pregnancy intervention programs and the availability of science based information, young men and women are making better decisions to protect their futures. Yet, the data indicates something different for Latinos. According to research by the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health, the Latino teen pregnancy rate in Georgia increased by 28.5 percent from 1996-2006. More disconcerting, the pregnancy rate for 15-19 year old Latinos in Georgia is more than double the state rate (151.6/1000 – 67.6/1000). With such a high rate of teen pregnancy it is no coincidence the birth rate for this population is also more than double the state rate (141/1000 – 54.1/1000). These numbers are significantly higher than other minority and majority groups in Georgia. It is an issue that cannot be glossed over or ignored; the social and economic ramifications are significant for both the Latino community and our state.

This is not a condemnation of our young people who happen to become pregnant. To effectively address the issue of teen pregnancy we must be willing to engage in open and honest dialogue. Only then, will practical and pragmatic solutions surface capable of effectuating positive change. The alternative is too costly for us to imagine. Most experts agree there is a direct correlation between teen pregnancy and dropping out of high school, living in poverty, being unemployed or underemployed, having inadequate healthcare or some other socioeconomic indicator which tells a difficult story for mother, father and child. We must protect their future now.

At G-CAPP we recognize the severity of this issue and have instituted various programs to eliminate teen pregnancy within the Latino community. Specifically, we have begun Futuros Alcanzables: Delaying Parenthood to Achieve the Dream. This initiative provides Latino service providers, families and youth the tools, skills and technical assistance needed to develop and implement culturally sensitive and effective teen pregnancy prevention and youth development strategies. The notion of creating a culturally sensitive program should not be overlooked. Assuming a ‘one size fits all’ approach is acceptable can be counterproductive and extremely insensitive to the community being served. Bill Albert, from the National Campaign’s Latino Initiative, offers excellent insight stating many Latinos misconstrue such messages (pregnancy prevention) as “anti-baby” or “anti-family”---anathema for a culture that so reveres the family unit. We could not agree more. Therefore, Futuros Alcanzables and our Doula, Carrera and Second-Chance Homes programs all take into consideration the cultural background of our clients and their families.

For those of you who are interested in Latino teen pregnancy or G-CAPP in general I invite you to visit our (http://www.gcapp.org) website to find out more about our programs, research and ways you can make a difference in the lives of young people.

Below is some additional information about resources and services available around the state:

Latin American Association

Feminist Women's Health Center

Planned Parenthood of Georgia

Girls, Inc.

Families First

Family Support Council

Grady Memorial Hospital Teen Clinic

United Way of Metro Atlanta 211



Transcripts of Recent House of Representatives Committee Meeting on HIV Prevention

On September 16, 2008, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform invited key medical leaders to discuss domestic efforts to mitigate the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS. This hearing was called in response to a study by the Centers for Disease Control which indicated the “HIV epidemic in the United States is growing at a rate far greater than was previously thought.” According to Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), “we are still seeing severe disparities in HIV’s impact on different populations. Men who have sex with men constitute 57 percent of new infections. Blacks, who make up about 12 percent of the total population, account for 45 percent of new HIV infections. Hispanics are also disproportionately affected.”

During the questioning, each member of the panel were asked a very pointed question, do you believe that evidence at this time supports abstinence-only until marriage programs as an effective intervention to reduce HIV risk among youth?

Please click here to find out their responses and to read the entire transcript.

Governor Sonny Perdue Proposing to Expand Quality Assessment Fee to Include All HMOs in Georgia Saving the Department of Community Health Millions in Potential Budget Cuts

In Georgia, the Department of Community Health (DCH) requires Care Management Organizations that serve Medicaid and PeachCare patients to pay a 5.5 percent Quality Assessment Fee to generate additional federal dollars. This important revenue stream ensures many Georgians who do not have access to private healthcare coverage can enjoy affordable coverage subsidized by the state.

In response to federal legislation which requires a state to charge this type of fee to all managed care organizations, Gov. Perdue has proposed lowering the fee from 5.5 percent to 3 percent and expanding fee payment to include HMOs. Expanding the fee will protect the Department of Community Health from cutting more than 90 million in essential medical services (as well as losing out in federal matching dollars).

HMOs are vigorously fighting this proposal claiming they should not have to pay a fee for programs they do not cover (Medicaid and PeachCare).

G-CAPP supports the proposal offered by the Governor and has sent a letter to his office stating so. We ask that you also do the same. Click here to obtain the address of Governor Perdue. Make sure to send a copy to your state senator and representative.

Below is some more information about expanding CMO fees:

Georgia Department of Community Health

AJC Article on CMO Fees

Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP)
100 Auburn Avenue, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404.524-2277
Fax: 404.523.7753
www.gcapp.org