Children’s health behaviors and risk-taking (sexual activity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, substance use, violence, etc.) are determined by a variety of factors. Governments, foundations, communities, schools, and adults all play important roles in supporting healthy behaviors among children. Implementing evidence-based programs and policies increases the impact of financial and resource investments and can improve child health outcomes. Since 2002, there have been some improvements worth noting. The national decline in teen pregnancy rates (for girls age 15-17) continues to be experienced in North Carolina, although the wide racial disparity in the rates is of particular.
