Safer Choices
Safer Choices is an outcome based, two (2) -year pregnancy prevention program. CoDI has a three (3)-year, $25,000 grant through the state to provide this program though Peer Helpers in the local high schools. Safer Choices is based on social cognitive theory, social influences theory, and models of school change; all of which have been demonstrated to be effective in other health areas.
Not only does the program teach abstinence first, it also provides students with refusal skills for any situation, knowledge about STD’s/HIV and also pregnancy. Peer Helpers who participate in the training of Safer Choices receive a stipend, and seniors who participate are also eligible for a scholarship.
It has been found that when peers educate peers they are more likely to listen and follow through with the information disseminated. Therefore, Peer Helpers will educate their peers in their local schools and also students in the 8th grade.
Program Objectives
At the completion of the program, students will:
- Increase their knowledge about HIV and other STDs.
- Have more positive attitudes about choosing not to have sex or using condoms if having sex.
- Have greater confidence in their ability to refuse sexual intercourse or unprotected intercourse, use a condom, and communicate about safer sexual practices.
- Perceive fewer barriers to condom use.
- Have more accurate perceptions of their risk for HIV and other STDs.
- Communicate more with their parents regarding sexual issues.
- Be able to use refusal and negotiation skills in sexual situations.
- Reduce sexual risk behaviors (by choosing not to have sexual intercourse or by increasing condom use and use of other methods of protection if having sex).
Local High Schools Involved through the Peer Helpers Program
- Colony High
- Valley Pathways
- Wasilla High
- Burchell High
- Houston High
