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Reseda, CA - December 3, 2008 - On Monday, December 1, 2008, S.T.A.R. Foundation hosted an all-girls "impact assembly" entitled "I Am My Own Prevention" held at Cleveland High School located in Reseda, California.
This assembly was in observance of World AIDS Day. Guest speaker and supporter actress Tasha Smith discussed topics such as HIV/AIDS & STD prevention, self-respect, building self-esteem, setting goals, making healthy life decisions and positive choices.
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| "It was a powerful message behind the words spoken by Tasha." "I like the energy Tasha & Jennifer [Founder of S.T.A.R. Foundation] gave. I felt their passion, concern, and knowledge." "I was inspired." These are just a few comments provided by the young ladies who were in attendance during the assembly.
S.T.A.R. Foundation Founder, Jennifer Payne, actress Tasha Smith and the young ladies of Cleveland High School and The Village Nation.
At the end of the assembly, students were provided a survey; out of 89 responses:
- 37% admitted to being sexually active
- When asked, how often do you discuss sex and prevention with your parent or legal guardian? 36% responded never, 24% responded rarely, 21% responded often, and 18% responded sometimes.
- When asked, have you ever been pregnant? 12% responded yes
- When asked, have you ever had unprotected sex? 61% responded yes
- When asked as a result of this assembly, are you least likely to have sex? 65% responded yes
- When asked, if you are sexually active, as a result of this assembly, are you more likely to protect yourself? 100% responded yes
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During a recent newscast regarding the assembly provided by ABC 7 News, Health Specialist Denise Dador stated, "several studies show many high school kids don't think they're at any risk for getting HIV and AIDS -- which makes programs like this one today even more important."
S.T.A.R.'s mission is to provide a foundation of self-respect within girls and young adults through mentoring, educating, and promoting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle which incorporates HIV/AIDS & STD prevention.
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