my.hsj.org (11.15.12)
Aids Weekly Plus
Healthy Start, a licensed medical facility at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton, Calif., offers sex education, STD testing, and family planning services. Judy Rauzi, head of the Healthy Start program, declares that the goal is to get more students tested and to make them aware of the services that Healthy Start offers. All services are confidential, require signed parental consent forms before any measures can take place, and are open to everyone on the school campus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that almost three out of four teens have had sexual intercourse by the time they are 20 years old, and that four out of five of those teens have used different forms of contraceptives. Rauzi emphasizes that she is not encouraging students to have sex, but to be responsible and use protection. She explains, “I want more girls who are sexually active to come forward and ask questions, get tested, and get protection.” Rauzi adds that the services are available to male students too, and she urges all students to visit the Health Center to learn what information Healthy Start provides.