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Florida will provide almost $2 million in matching funds for a federal abstinence program that gives the state $2.6 million annually from fiscal year 2010 through 2014.
The Legislature has authorized state money for the “It’s Great to Wait” abstinence education program; the federal funds are available though the Affordable Care Act. It’s Great to Wait encourages youths ages nine to 18 to abstain from sex before marriage, teaching that “abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, [STDs] and other associated health problems.”
It’s Great to Wait also teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increase one’s vulnerability. Thirteen organizations will receive funding under the program.
Though the Legislature approved the abstinence funding, it rejected federal support for at least two other health-based programs. These would have helped the elderly and disabled transition out of nursing homes and back into the community, and provided for nurses and case workers to visit the homes of new and expectant mothers.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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