New York area health department extends clinic hours for teens

In an effort to provide teens with education about health-related topics, many clinics are extending their hours to help teach teens how to lead a healthy lifestyle. In these programs, professionals show adolescents how to make good decisions concerning their well-being, including avoiding drug abuse, teen pregnancy and alcohol use.

For example, officials from the Chautauqua County, New York Health Department recently announced new after school hours for teens. The program is geared toward providing education on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, the Dunkirk Observer reports.

Officials told the news source that they recognized the importance of making hours more accessible to young adults and to work around their school schedules. Furthermore, teens will no longer need to miss class to attend an appointment.

These courses can help teens who engage in risky behavior by offering group therapy.

According to a 2009 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 percent of high school students have had sexual intercourse.