HANNIBAL (WGEM) -The CHART Teen Task Force’s 29th teen health fair is Feb. 7 in Hannibal.
Sandra Ahlum, CHART’s chairperson, said 38 agencies are scheduled to attend this year. Those agencies will cover a variety of health topics.
Ahlum said some of the most common teen health struggles include teen pregnancies, STDs, alcohol use, drug use, smoking, vaping and mental health struggles. She said suicide prevention is a big focus for the community and reminds teens there are agencies who can help.
“I hope that they will know that they are not alone,” Ahlum said. “That they are not the only one that maybe suffers from depression and maybe has considered ending their life. And we don’t want them going to some AI on the internet and getting advice from them.”
Teens who are struggling, Ahlum said, should go to parents, teachers or other adults for help.
One of the biggest things CHART focuses on is stopping teen pregnancies and the spread of STDs. Ahlum said many teens who become pregnant struggle to finish school and get a good job.
From 1995 to 2023, Ahlum said teen pregnancies have decreased by 70% in northeast Missouri. However, she said there are still teens who need to be educated on the topic.
The teen health fair is Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center. It is free and will also include food, giveaways, a DJ and a photo booth.
Ahlum said parents are encouraged to attend the health fair with their children.
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