Dougherty County is working to prevent teen pregnancy - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Dougherty County is working to prevent teen pregnancy

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By Jay Polk - bio | email
The Dougherty County Commission and the City of Albany both created proclamations to recognize the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The Dougherty County Commission and the City of Albany both created proclamations to recognize the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
The question posed by this card is a valid one. Girls who become pregnant are very likely to drop out of school. The question posed by this card is a valid one. Girls who become pregnant are very likely to drop out of school.
One of the participants in Wednesday's luncheon looks on as Dr. Joshua Murphree speaks. One of the participants in Wednesday's luncheon looks on as Dr. Joshua Murphree speaks.
Bobby McKinney speaks at Wednesday's luncheon to prevent teen pregnancy. His speech was about the role of community organizations in preventing teen pregnancy. Bobby McKinney speaks at Wednesday's luncheon to prevent teen pregnancy. His speech was about the role of community organizations in preventing teen pregnancy.
One of the participants in the Teen Pregnancy luncheon looks over some of the material on offer. One of the participants in the Teen Pregnancy luncheon looks over some of the material on offer.

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Dougherty County has the 12th highest teen pregnancy rate in the state.

An average of nearly 350 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 get pregnant each year.

Wednesday, more than 30 education and health care professionals attended a luncheon to mark the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Dougherty County School Superintendent Dr. Joshua Murfree reminded them that keeping expectant mothers in school will lead to better outcomes for them and their children.

"We want to make sure - if they become pregnant - we want to make sure that we educate them, educate the family and keep the community involved."

Angie Barber, from the Phoebe Putney Network of Trust said that the community's role is to: "open our doors, our halls. Not just in our schools but our churches throughout our community."

Dougherty County's teen pregnancy rate has actually declined by 32 per cent since 1994.

But in 2004, teen pregnancy still cost the county an estimated $5.5 million dollars per year in extra services.

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