Action Alert: Title V Deadline Nears
States have only until August 30 to submit their short application to HHS for Title V Abstinence Education funds. Therefore, this week is key in the final decision-making efforts. States may apply for one or both of the block grants (Title V, PREP), but must do so by the August 30 deadline. NAEA encourages states to apply for Title V funds to assure that students receive access to skills that best protect their sexual health.
Abstinence Education Opponents Spread Misinformation Regarding Title V To States
There is a concerted campaign by pro-teen-sex proponents to discourage states from accepting these funds. The following three points accurately respond to their arguments:
- Abstinence Education Works - Though opponents like to say that abstinence doesn’t work, research paints the opposite picture. In fact, Abstinence Works 2010 (available from NAEA) documents 17 peer reviewed studies showing positive behavioral impact from abstinence education programs. And for school-based programs, there is actually much more positive research for abstinence education than for any other approach. (See AbstinenceWorks.org for more detail)
- The State Match is Easily Made Without State Burden - Opponents try to scare budget-strapped states away from Title V funds by talking about the match requirement. This is a disingenuous argument, however. Most states have historically required sub-grantees (community organizations) to make the match, meaning that the states have no burden whatsoever. Since the match may be in-kind contributions, organizations that serve in the community and schools, can easily satisfy the match. (For example, donated space and expertise all count toward satisfying the match)
- States May Apply For Both PREP and Title V - Anti-abstinence special interest groups are telling states to apply for PREP, but to ignore Title V. The truth is that states may apply for both Title V and PREP, thereby providing the state with monies that give priority to both risk avoidance/abstinence (Title V) and risk reduction/contraception (PREP). Budget-strapped states have good reason to access as much help as possible to stem the public health problem of teen sexual activity and STD epidemic. There is no good reason for them to turn down Title V Abstinence Education funding.
NAEA has resources available that you can share with your state.
- Why States Should Accept Title V Funds
- Fact Sheet on Title V funding announcement
- State allocations for Title V
- Access the entire announcement at Title V State Abstinence Education Grant Program
Action Step:
• Contact your Governor’s Office and/or designated state agency responsible for Title V Abstinence Education today, encouraging them to apply for Title V, the only federal funds that prioritize risk avoidance for teen sexual health.
• Let NAEA know of your state’s intention right away by emailing info@theNAEA.org.
