RAPPP marks its own first decade

Click here for more information about Southcoast's RAPPP program

The innovative pregnancy prevention program has helped more than 12,000 teens since it began.

RAPPP (Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention) is celebrating a decade of educating area youth on the realities of teenage sexual activity — and its consequences.

RAPPP is an adolescent pregnancy prevention program designed for use within the curriculum of the health or science department of high school and junior high school systems.

Established in 1996 in response to the near-epidemic rates of teen pregnancy in New Bedford, RAPPP has touched more than 20,000 teens and parents since its inception, including more than 12,000 teens through its in-school programs at area senior and junior high schools.

The program has grown to include schools throughout the South Coast region and also sponsors a number of outreach programs designed for adolescents and youth in the community.

"Our program is based on abstinence, but comprehensive in scope," said Cindy Guilbeault, LPN, CSE, RAPPP Program Director. "The goal to teach responsible decision-making skills in the context of a complete primer on sexuality, pregnancy and parenting."

Southcoast Hospitals Group developed, sponsors and administers RAPPP in conjunction with school faculty and administration. All materials, models, staff support and training are provided free of charge to participating schools.