The opposition presented false data about the success rates of abstinence programs, objected to all SBHC operations, and raised issues of access and minor consent. Health Start overcame these tactics with support from teens and the medical and public health communities. Role of Media Health Start kept its media messages simple, highlighting STD and teen pregnancy rates as well as low contraceptive pick-up rates. Health Start also provided background information that encouraged St. Paul's two major papers to print strong editorials in favor of dispensing and framing the argument as pragmatism versus idealism. Each health plan agreed to prepare its own manual on working with SBHCs to assure teens' confidentiality.
All contraceptive services are now available to teens.
Staff expects demand for DepoProvera and emergency contraceptive pills but not for Norplant. Outreach Teens' involvement in the fight to permit SBHCs to dispense contraception has also improved outreach. Health Start plans a youth advisory committee for each center and has hired one staff member who will focus on outreach to males. Health Start begins tracking STD and primary pregnancy outcomes in fall 1999 and expects to demonstrate an impact in these areas as well. Case Study Number 3.