Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) staff is providing youth with a creative platform to share their perspectives on teen health issues. Spokane Teen Videofest challenges Spokane County youth (ages 14-19) to speak out—through short videos with positive health messages—on topics most important to youth today. The sexual and reproductive health of our youth is a critical issue in our community that requires our attention. Adolescents' decisions with regard to sexual activity can affect school performance and have unintended life-long consequences.
There is an estimated 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) each year within the US and nearly half of them occur in those 15-24 years of age. Recent studies reveal that youth are initiating sexual intercourse at an earlier age than in previous years. A 2008 local survey supports these findings, with Spokane youth reporting first sexual intercourse averaging as early as 16 years of age. Additionally, 43% of youth were identified as being sexually active. As these statistics highlight a growing concern, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is prepared to address sexual health issues affecting Spokane youth, with STDs as the primary focus through an innovative project. The proposed project is an adaptation of a 2003 approach implemented by Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH). The approach, dubbed a model practice by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), engages youth to create short videos with strong health promotion messages.
