Straight Talk Not Just for Teens

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• November 8, 2016

News Release

 

CONTACT:      Suzanna Cisneros, suzanna.cisneros@ttuhsc.edu

                          (806) 743-7605

 

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 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Academic Classroom Building 3601 4th St.

 

Teen Straight Talk is a community-based program. Lindsay Penrose, Ph.D., event co-chair, said the project is an essential “ice breaker” between teens, tweens and their parents or guardians. Children 9 to 18 years old and all parents are welcome.

 

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

 

Tayia Castillo from the Texas Department of State and Health Services (DSHS) will present about sexting and the risks of mobile applications. Kenneth Castillo from the Lubbock Rape Crisis will speak about sexual consent, assault and sex trafficking. The event will bring awareness about the role of men in violence against women.

 

Teen Straight Talk also provides a comprehensive sex-education program provided by TTUHSC obstetrics and gynecology faculty and TTUHSC medical students. The Big Decision will be a presentation to open discussions about sexual education.

 

Teen Straight Talk is a collaboration between the Texas Tech University/TTUHSC Black Faculty and Staff, TTUHSC Department of Ob/Gyn and community partners. A free lunch will be provided along with free child care for children ages 2 to 8 years. For more information, contact Kathleen McPherson at (806) 787-4513 or email kathleen.mcpherson@ttuhsc.edu.