Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee to hold 2nd Annual Teen Pregnancy Prevention Recognition Awards
May 13, 2014 Contact: Mary Ann Legler, (w) 941- 751-6550 ext 2116 or (c) 941- 932-1137
Bradenton, FL— The Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. (HTC) will recognize local individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to reducing teen pregnancy rates and to increasing the health and welfare of youth in the county on Tuesday, May 20 at 3:00 pm at the Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th St. W., in Bradenton.
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and as part of on-going efforts and activities throughout the month, the HTC will present awards in four categories during the reception event. The awardees include: Youth of the Year: Ella Biggins, Nonprofit of the Year: Service Club of Manatee County, Elected Official of the Year: the Manatee Board of County Commissioners, and Adult of the Year: Marilyn Steele.
“Healthy Teens Coalition is thrilled to honor these deserving award recipients who are leaders in our community in tackling the issue of teen pregnancy prevention. We also welcome the opportunity to use this event to increase community awareness about the issue of teen pregnancy prevention, the significant progress that has been made, and the work that remains to be done,” said Mary Ann Legler, Healthy Teens Coalition Board Chair.
Historically, Manatee County has experienced high teen birth rates, and although there has been a recent downward trend, birth rates to teen mothers still remain higher than the state average.
The Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee is dedicated to promoting healthy, responsible behaviors in Manatee County youth through partnerships with the community. The HTC engages young people, parents, community leaders, and policy-makers and aims to ensure that Manatee youth have access to the tools, education, and information that will equip them to make healthy, informed decisions, leading to a positive future.
###
