HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced four additional awards worth $758,070 to help communities develop and implement abstinence-only education programs for young people age 12 to 18.

Two entities won implementation grants: Fort Bend Independent School District of Sugarland, Texas, $351,815; and Teen Awareness Inc. of Fullerton, Calif., $239,645.  Implementation grants have a three-year project period and range from $131,000 to $800,000 annually. 

The other two grantees won planning awards: AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, $91,690; and Lao Family Community of Minnesota in St. Paul, $74,920.  Planning grants have a one-year project period and range from $50,000 to $100,000. 

“In preventing so many of today's sexual health problems, it is clear that choosing abstinence is the surest protection against disease and unintended pregnancy,” Secretary Thompson said. “These grants will help create an environment that supports teenagers who choose to postpone sexual activity.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 1999 that nearly 50 percent of high school students had sexual intercourse, putting them at risk for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The latest awards, from the Community-Based Abstinence Education Grant Program, supplement the $17.1 million in grants to 49 communities Secretary Thompson announced July 6 and bring the fiscal year 2001 total for all grantees to almost $17.9 million.

The grants are administered by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration.

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