Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Edmonton Journal (11.17.09) - Thursday, November 19, 2009
Laura Stone; Canwest News Service
"Texting is just huge with teenagers," said Heather Corinna, founder of Scarleteen. The site is run by 15 trained volunteers, many of whom study in health-related fields, Corinna said.
"Some of the questions are really immediate," said Corinna. "Somebody who used a condom for sex and had a condom break, and asks you what to do and didn't know about emergency contraception, you can tell them about it really, really quickly. It's good to be able to help them like that in real time."
The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina debuted a texting service in February called the "Birds and Bees Text Line." Toronto's program does not offer the personalized responses of BBTL, but there are plans to add this feature. Currently, by texting "TOHealth" to the number 365247, youths in Toronto can receive free automated sexual health information and referrals.
"We're trying to get out there and get the information to them in a way that seems very private and personal," said Michelle Hamilton-Page, project leader of TOHealth.
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