Straight Talk Not Just for Teens

Teen Straight Talk, a free program designed to motivate adults and their children to talk about topics such as abstinence, teen pressures, sex education and responsible decision making, will be presented from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Academic Classroom Building, 3601 Fourth St.

Teen Straight Talk is a community-based program. Kathleen McPherson, event co-chair, said the project is an essential “ice breaker” between teens, tweens and their parents or guardians.

“Many adults and children want to talk about these topics but are not sure what to say or what questions to ask or where to find the resources they need to conduct these conversations,” McPherson said.

The program is presented by professional counselors, TTUHSC faculty and psychologists from the Lubbock community and surrounding areas of West Texas and allows for open discussions on topics listed below that have lead to the high rate of teen problems such as depression, eating disorders, suicides, drug and alcohol abuse.

Teen Straight Talk also provides a comprehensive sex education program provided by TTUHSC obstetrics and gynecology faculty and residents and TTUHSC medical students. Topics will include:

* Abstinence
* Male and female anatomy
* Sexual responsibility and consequences
* Teen pregnancy
* STDs
* Contraceptives and protection
* Sexting
* Community resources

For more information, contact McPherson at (806) 743-5637 or email kathleen.mcpherson@ttuhsc.edu.

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