OPELOUSAS- Fifteen youth throughout Acadiana are better prepared to battle STDs, HIV, and teen pregnancy thanks to youth agents and prevention specialists. From the Southern University Ag Center and the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center

"By learning negotiation skills and receiving factual information about the benefits of practicing abstinence, these youth are equipped with knowledge and strategies that have built their confidence in order for them to abstain from engaging in risky-behaviors," said Edna Lastrapes-Brown, youth agent with the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center's Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, and March 10, youth between the age of 11 and 13 gathered at the Southwest Center for "Making A Difference!", an eight-module curriculum designed to reduce substance use among young people and to provide knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to reduce their risk through abstinence.



"Our youth are surrounded each day with peer pressures and media messages that encourage sexual activity. Whether we choose to accept the facts or not, it is the responsibility of our entire community to provide these youth with knowledge that will enable them to stand up and make a difference," said Lastrapes-Brown.

Tara Mire, Ron Manning, and Kami Jones, prevention specialists with the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center, lead group discussion and scenario role-playing to further explain how to lead an abstinent lifestyle.



The trainers emphasized a need for making healthy choices in order to achieve their personal goals . Participants were given the opportunity to identify the areas that are key influencers in their decision-making.

At the end of the program, the youth created and presented gift bags to residents at Prompt Succor Nursing Home as a community service project. "This gave the youth a stronger sense of pride and responsibility in making a difference throughout their schools and communities," said Lastrapes-Brown.



The Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives is a satellite entity of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Its mission is to promote socioeconomic development within a 10-parish region. Making A Difference will be offered at the Southwest Center on a quarterly basis. For more information, call Lastrapes-Brown at (337) 943-2410.

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