The mission of the Cortland County Zero Adolescent Pregnancy (ZAP) Program is to reduce teen pregnancy by addressing risk and protective factors through prevention strategies designed to cultivate healthy behaviors and positive choices. We are a coalition of community energies known as ZAP (Zero Adolescent Pregnancy). ZAP was initiated in 1990 by the Cortland County Health Department and Catholic Charities; the program is now sponsored by the Health Department, the Cortland YWCA, and the Cortland Youth Bureau. Our goal is to substantially reduce the number of teen pregnancies in Cortland County through education and prevention. One of our original objectives was to see the number of teen pregnancies reduced to under 100 by the year 2000. We met our original goal, with exactly 100 pregnancies in the year 2000. This was a 32% reduction in teen pregnancy since 1990. We have continued our efforts to reduce teen pregnancy and ZAP hopes to bring new programs and opportunities to Cortland County in the near future. ZAP GOALS Postpone initial sexual intercourse among teens and preteens. Promote the consistent use of contraception among those who become sexually active. Encourage young people to make responsible, healthy decisions in regards to their sexuality.
ZAP 8th Grade Survey The Zap 8th Grade Survey has been administered to 8th graders in Cortland County schools every two years since 1996. This research provides valuable information about the teens' attitudes and behaviors related to sexual activity and alcohol and drug use. The countywide results are shared with the schools and community organizations and used by the ZAP program and others to develop or modify programs to address the needs of the students. Click here to view the 2008 Report
Click here to view the 2006 Report |
