Straight Talk: A Community Model to Reduce Unprotected Sex Resulting from Substance Abuse

Grantee Name

Planned Parenthood of Northern New York

Funding Area

Special Projects Fund

Publication Date

October 2008

Grant Amount

$65,706

Grant Date:

January 2007 – December 2007

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Rural Jefferson County in northern New York has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the State.

Researchers at the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University and others have shown a connection between risky sexual activity and teens’ use of drugs or alcohol. Planned Parenthood of Northern New York, the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County, and Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions formed a coalition to create a campaign to raise awareness of the interrelationship of substance abuse and unprotected sex.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

During the first three months of the grant period, coalition members conducted three sets of focus groups to assess local “North Country” to determine which messages would have the greatest communication impact.
A second set of focus groups reviewed radio and TV spots to solicit feedback and further refine the message.
Two television commercials and two radio spots under the campaign title Straight Talk were aired for nine months, through December 2007.
Planned Parenthood and the Credo Community Center developed a formal referral process with referral forms.

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