Sometimes being #1 is a pile of #2

[DMS]

In Oct. 22 Issue
By Kim Graham
Times Journal Reporter

Statistics released by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Women's Health show the 2008 pregnancy rate among teens age 15-19 in Russell County is highest in the state.

In 2008, the rate was 113 pregnancies per 1,000 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 or 11 percent in Russell County up from 9 percent in 2007.

"The national drop-out rate for teen mothers is 80 percent," said Dr. White. "60 percent of those drop-outs will not complete a GED and 60 percent of teen moms in the U.S. will live in poverty their entire lives."

An analysis from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy shows that teen childbearing in Kentucky cost taxpayers at least $148 million in 2004.

http://russellcounty.net/news.php?subac ... om=&ucat=3&