Free workshop to give Osceola County parents resources for talking to teen kids about sex

BIG RAPIDS, Mich., May 11, 2017 – Reed City Area Public Schools is hosting a free workshop designed to provide resources, tips and empowerment for parents to have conversations with their teen children about abstinence and sex. The workshop is scheduled at Reed City High School on Thursday, May 25 at 5:30 p.m., and includes a free dinner.

The nationally recognized workshops, called Talk Early & Talk Often, are two-hour sessions designed to help parents and caregivers of middle school and high school youth recognize opportunities for open conversations. The workshops will help parents and caregivers listen and respond to their children with greater confidence and skill.

The free workshop is organized by Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals, with grants from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“Parents are the primary educators of their children,” said Scott Lombard, manager of community education at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals. “Continued communication at home is vital in helping our youth avoid the serious consequences of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. We’re pleased to partner with schools and parents on these workshops, which empowers parents on an important issue affecting families.”

The workshop will provide parents skills to:

Open the door to conversation about abstinence and sexuality
Address sticky situations and uncomfortable topics
Recognize and use teachable moments
Become an “askable” parent

“Young people want and value information from their parents,” said Tim Webster, superintendent of Reed City Area Public Schools. “When young people have a positive relationship with their parents they are less likely to engage in sexual risk-taking behavior. Open and honest communication about abstinence and sexuality between parents and their children is necessary from childhood through adulthood.”

The Talk Early & Talk Often event is for adults only. Child care will be provided for parents with young children at no charge. Dinner will also be provided to children. Those who attend will be entered into gift prize drawings. Seating is limited, so interested parents should call 231.592.4207 or register online at onlineregistrationcenter.com/tetorc.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Patricia Ezdebski
Marketing and Public Relations
Office: 231.845.2350
Mobile: 231.301.4864
Email: patricia.ezdebski@corewellhealth.org

Danielle Wells
Media Relations Contact
Email: danielle.wells@spectrumhealth.org