September 15, 2004
Press Release
Contact: ACF Press Office
(202) 401-9215

HHS AWARDS $800,000 TO DIOCESE FOR ABSTINENCE EDUCATION

“Think Smart” program to help youth make positive choices in life

An $800,000 competitive grant to promote abstinence education in Florida was given to the Catholic Diocese of Orlando today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In a special ceremony, Dr. Wade F. Horn, HHS assistant secretary for children and families, made the award on behalf of President George W. Bush and HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson at the diocese’s chancery with the Most Reverend Thomas Wenski and Deborah Stafford-Shearer of the diocese’s Respect Life Office.

“President Bush and Secretary Thompson have been promoting ways to help young adults make positive choices in life,” said Dr. Horn. “Today’s grant aims to prevent pre-marital sexual activity so more kids can grow up healthier, stronger and safer.”

The grant to the diocese will fund its “Think Smart” program that provides abstinence education to give youth an understanding of the social, psychological and health gains to be realized by abstaining from premarital sexual activity. It is part of the Bush Administration’s “Community Based Abstinence Education” project totaling $70 million in fiscal year 2004. The grants are designed to help adolescents delay sexual activity until marriage.

The diocese’s abstinence program, run by its Respect Life Office, is geared toward youth between 12 and 18 years old. It aims to serve nearly 2,600 youth during the course of the one-year grant.