Norman and Mahnonmen counties among highest in Minnesota for teenage pregnancy

POLK COUNTY, Minn. Teenage Pregnancy Rates

The 2023 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report reveals that Norman County and Mahnomen County have some of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in Minnesota. This report is the first to examine teen pregnancy rates after the pandemic. While both counties have high rates of pregnancies among individuals aged 15 to 19, overall teen pregnancies in Minnesota have decreased by 71% since 1990. Notably, the top 10 counties with the highest teenage pregnancy rates are all located in greater Minnesota. Additionally, Mahnomen County has one of the highest rates of chlamydia among the 15-19 age group.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The high rates of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections highlight the need for improved sexual and reproductive health services in these counties.
• Goal 5: Gender Equality – Teenage pregnancies can have long-term consequences for young girls, including limited educational and economic opportunities.
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – The concentration of high teenage pregnancy rates in greater Minnesota suggests a need for targeted interventions and resources in rural areas.

Efforts to Address Teenage Pregnancy Rates

Polk County Public Health and Norman-Mahnomen Public Health collaborate to form Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Services. This partnership aims to provide regional planning and implementation of public health initiatives. The organizations utilize the adolescent health report published by the Healthy Youth Development-Prevention Research Center at the University of Minnesota to inform their efforts in providing care to the community. This includes education and access to reproductive and sexual health services.

Services Offered

• Education: The organizations dedicate approximately an hour to each client, providing comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health.
• Testing: They offer STI testing and pregnancy testing.
• Birth Control Options: Individuals can receive information and access to various birth control methods.
• Annual Exams: Women can undergo annual exams and pap exams.

Regular visits to healthcare providers, especially for sexual and reproductive health, are crucial as some sexually transmitted diseases can lead to fertility issues and cancer. For instance, untreated chlamydia can cause fertility problems in women over time. Routine testing is emphasized to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment.

Addressing Access Challenges

The report highlights that 37% of rural Minnesota counties lack a sexual health clinic, making it difficult for individuals to access care. In rural areas, transportation is often a barrier. To address this issue, Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Services offers a one-stop shop approach, allowing individuals to receive comprehensive care in a single visit.

Contact Information

• Polk County Public Health: 218-281-3385
• Norman-Mahnomen Public Health (Norman County location): 218-784-5425
• Norman-Mahnomen Public Health (Mahnomen County location): 218-935-2527

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