There has been misleading coverage surrounding the proposed Health Resource Center (HRC) at Reading High School. To clarify, a HRC:

  • Helps young people make responsible choices to stay safe and healthy.
  • Supports young people’s overall health and well-being.
  • Plays an important role in preventing school dropout.
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    Health Resource Centers provide students with medically-accurate education and counseling aimed at:

  • Encouraging critical thinking around sexual activity.
  • Promoting healthy relationships and behaviors regarding human sexuality.
  • Promoting education and counseling around abstinence.
  • Promoting safer sexual behavior, including access to and education about risk reduction tools.
  • Reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection by providing referrals for reproductive healthcare services, STD and HIV testing, and contraception.
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    A Health Resource Center does not promote any life choice other than healthy behavior. For many students, the HRC becomes a haven where they can get help and support for any concern in a caring and non-judgmental environment.The HRC helps to link students with school and community resources to meet their needs.

    The HRC would support BTM’s mission and our goal to reduce teen pregnancy in Berks County by 40% by 2022. Please join us on Wednesday, June 28 at 6pm at the Reading School District Board Meeting, 800 Washington St, Reading PA. City residents may give 3-minute remarks in support of the HRC, non-city residents are encouraged to come in support.

    Questions? Please contact Dr. Jen May, jmay@berksteensmatter.org

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