Parents and community members play an important role in the lives of all CNMI students. The CNMI Public School System and its youth group, Teen Talk, support the HPV vaccine campaign being launched by the Department of Public Health this October with the slogan “So what are you going to do?”
Members of Teen Talk have been assisting DPH in collaborative meetings by giving ideas on teen perspectives and what topics are of major concern to them and their peers.
The DPH HPV Vaccination Campaign is the first of its kind with innovative incentives for teens. (See story on page 5.)
Some of the goals of the HPV Vaccination Campaign include:
• Promote awareness about the HPV Vaccine to the CNMI community.
• Vaccinate 9th to 12th grade girls in high school and girls not in high school but who are 18 years old and under.
Some important facts include:
• Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the CNMI
• Every 7 weeks, woman is diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer
• Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• HPV is a virus that can cause cancer and genital warts
• HPV spreads through sexual contact
• HPV is not the same as HIV or Herpes.
Teen Talk is supported by the CNMI Public School System and is funded by the Center for Disease Control.
In Other Teen Talk News
Teen Talk is looking for students who want to help other students. Tween Talk will also hold upcoming activities. Tween Talk is open to public and private school students from grades 5th to 8th. More information will be announced at later time. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, send an email to [email protected]. (PR)
More praise from Teen Talk members
Jodeen Borja
Junior, Saipan Southern
High School
Why did you join Teen Talk?
I always loved taking to people and relating to different teenagers, I also joined to aware others that they are not alone. We all go through the same things in life.
What was the best part about being in Teen Talk?
The best part about being in teen talk is meeting students, educating them and going home knowing I made a difference in their lives.
Plans after high school?
I plan to join the military, go to college and major in Criminal Justice.
Adeleyah Mojica
Sophomore, Marianas High School
Why did you join Teen Talk?
I always thought Teen Talk was a pretty cool thing; I love how we are all for the cause. There are so many kids nowadays who are not aware of all the choices they have. A lot think there’s only one way out of things, but we’re here to show them there’s not just one way. You have so many opportunities and choices and it’s really up to you to decide what you want to do. We don’t tell you what to choose, we can’t, it’s up to you; but we just make sure that you are aware of your choices.
What was the best part about being in Teen Talk?
The best part about being in Teen Talk is knowing that I’m helping those in need and that I’m hopefully making a difference in at least one person’s life. It’s an awesome experience; you get to meet new people and increase awareness among my peers. What could be better?
Plans after high school?
I want to go to Stanford! I also want to be an advocate for the better doing of our environment. I want to travel around the world and help those who are “less fortunate”.
