Media coverage highlights Alliance $5.5 million grant for work in Holyoke and Springfield

Yesterday, the Alliance hosted a press conference at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts in Springfield, to introduce to the community our YOUTH FIRST initiative, supported by our newly received federal funding.  This funding will enable to work in Holyoke and Springfield to reduce the teen birth rate by 10 percent.

The press conference was attended by politicians, public health officials, health care providers, and community members — a promising start to what is designed to be a truly community-wide approach to reducing teen pregnancy rates. Check out some of the exciting media coverage of the event below.

22 News WWLP: “Grant aims at reducing teen pregnancy”

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield and Holyoke will soon have the money to put programs in effect to help reduce the large number of teenage pregnancies in the two cities.

Anne Teschner, director of the Holyoke Caring Center, which helps teen moms, told 22News just what they’re up against. “Holyoke and Springfield together have a teen birth rate four times the state average and twice the national average,” she said. Read more…

CBS 3 Springfield: “Teen Pregnancy Prevention”

Holyoke and Springfield were chosen among nine communities across the U.S. batting high numbers of pregnant teens. State officials are hoping new programs will bring the teen pregnancy rate down ten percent within the next five years.

Executive Director for the State Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, Patricia Quinn says “You should see within six months some really concrete action and initiatives on the ground in both communities with strong effort to prevent teen pregnancy.” Read more…

The Republican: “Federal grant to target teen pregnancy”

SPRINGFIELD - Armed with a new $5.5 million, five-year federal grant, local officials and advocates spoke with confidence on Tuesday about combating high rates of teen pregnancy in Holyoke and Springfield that have hindered their youth.

“No other communities are better positioned and equipped to use this money,” said Patricia M. Quinn, executive director of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, praising the ongoing collaborative effort by both communities. “I know we will be successful in reducing teen pregnancy.” Read more…