Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A SPECIAL GRANT APPLICATION TO THE ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES; AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TRIBAL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION
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WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government in behalf of the Cherokee people;
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America;
WHEREAS, teenage pregnancy in the Cherokee Nation has been linked to increased school dropout rates, drug/alcohol abuse, STD infections, poor mental health;
WHEREAS, statistics show that Native American youth have a disproportionately higher risk of becoming pregnant at a younger age;
WHEREAS, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Prevention Services has provided a limited pregnancy prevention program in schools within the Cherokee Nation;
WHEREAS, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Prevention Services needs to be expanded to include additional community services and to provide more services to alleviate the issues relating to teen pregnancy.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Principal Chief (or his designee) and the Council of the Cherokee Nation authorize that a proposal be submitted to the Administration on Children, Youth and Families to provide service to enable the Cherokee Nation to reduce teenage pregnancies in order to ensure a healthy and productive Cherokee Nation.