Teen Services at the Pennyrile District Health Department

If you need to see one of our nurses, you’ll most likely want to call and make an appointment first. When you call, our clerk may ask you a few questions to see if we can give you help right then. If we think an appointment will be best, we’ll set that up. Again, you will not need parental consent to see us. Since our services are based on income, you should expect a small fee for your appointment. Just give us a call and we can go over any of your concerns over your health and the possible fees involved.

It’s completely natural and healthy to think about sex! As awkward as it can be to talk about, it’s important for you to find a trusted adult (or talk with us) to ask questions and learn more about it. Here are a few things you should consider before you take this step:

1. Let’s talk about protected sex. You can actually come into any of our health department locations, not say a word to anyone, go straight to the bathroom and grab a handful of condoms for free. We encourage you and your partner to do this!

2. What about birth control for women? If you’re thinking about having sex, understand that condoms can break. Though no type of birth control is 100% reliable, birth control does have a high percentage rate of success in preventing unplanned pregnancy. When you make an appointment with us, we will do a women’s health exam and then talk through the different birth control options available to you such as patches, pills, rings, etc.

3. Besides pregnancy, what other life changes can sex cause? Of course, no matter what kind of birth control you use, there is still a small chance of unplanned pregnancy. But, you also need to think through who you want to be and who your partner has already been with, before having sex. Why? Because sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) do occur often. HIV, a virus that causes AIDS, is a type of STD. This damages your body’s immune system that protects your body from disease. There is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but treatment can help people stay healthy.

How do you protect yourself? Don’t have sex, have sex with one mutually monogamous partner or have safer sex. Safer sex means you’re not putting yourself in contact with someone’s blood, semen or vaginal fluids.

What are other types of STDs? Chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and syphilis are examples. You can read more about this here.

If you are having sex, especially with more than one partner, you should be tested regularly. We do offer anonymous testing and you are not required to have a parent/guardian with you. Call 270-388-4401 and ask for Meg to schedule an HIV test.

WIC

If you’re eligible, you’ll receive nutrition assistance and support while you’re pregnant, breastfeeding and potentially until your child is 5 years old. The goal of this program is to make sure you and baby have the nutrition you need, even if you’re on a very tight income. By setting up an appointment with us, you can apply and be approved on the same day.

If you have questions about any of this, please give us a call. Remember, you do not have to have parental consent to set up an appointment with us.

If you or a friend has experienced suicidal thoughts, remember you are not alone, even if it feels like it right now. If a friend has confided in you, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people, then immediately go to a trusted adult. At any time you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (all calls are confidential). You can find other resources like making a safety plan and tips on asking for help here.

First off, know that you are not alone. There are many people who would like to walk alongside you to make sure that you are safe. You can call the Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233. Or you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800- 656- 4673. Also, if you stop by our office we have a few resources for you as well.