Teen pregnancy prevention isn't about just sex.

That's what Michael Carrera, an expert on adolescent sexuality, wants people to realize during his conference "Lesson for Lifeguards." Two daylong workshops Feb. 23-24 at Modesto Centre Plaza will provide an overview of Carrera's program to fight teen pregnancy.

"This program is holistic," said Carrera, director of the National Adolescent Sexuality Training Center. "We work with young people in every dimension of what makes them who they are."

This above-the-waist look at teen pregnancy is what sold conference organizers on Carrera's program. The workshops are being sponsored by the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, the Responsibility, Education, Attitude, Leadership (REAL) Project and California Family Health Council. They hope to replicate his program and results in Stanislaus County.

First launched in 1984 in New York, Carrera's model has garnered numerous awards and accolades. Five years after the pilot program started, only six of the 170 teens involved became pregnant. Even better results have been reported since then. The program is being used in 12 neighborhoods in New York City and 33 other cities throughout the United States.

Organizers said Carrera's message is especially important because of Stanislaus County's growing teen pregnancy problem. From 1989 to 1997, the teen birth rate has increased 33 percent, according to the Department of Health Services. In 1997, there were 807 births to teen moms in the county, compared to 607 in 1989.

"People often throw up their hands and say there isn't anything we can do about (teen pregnancy)," said Modesto City Schools District board trustee Kate Nyegaard, also a member of the planning committee. "But part of (Carrera's) 'Lessons for Lifeguards' is that he considers everyone in the community a lifeguard. People need to get involved and engaged as an entire community to keep kids on the right track."

Carrera has headed the New York-based center for The Children's Aid Society since 1970. His program's comprehensive approach to teen pregnancy includes a lot more than traditional sex education.

The project also focuses on education, career development, mental and physical health services, the arts and recreation.

"Every afternoon, every few days, months, weeks, years, teens must be exposed to these elements," Carrera said. This kind of long-term approach shows teens that there are other, better options waiting for them.

To accomplish this, organizers said the entire community -- people in education, business, arts, sports, health care, etc. -- must band together.

"There are many, many agencies that do tremendous work with teens out there," Samantha Phillips-Bland, family planning director at the Health Services Agency Family. "But we haven't come under one umbrella."

Phillips-Bland, also planning committee co-chairwoman, said the conference is open to the public. The first day will provide a general overview of Carrera's model. The second day will only be open to Stanislaus County residents. That session will focus on how to plan and start a similar program locally.

"This is different from other conferences where you talk about it, go home and forget about it," Nyegaard said. "This conference is to really get it organized."

Registration deadline is Feb. 10. There is a $30 fee for day one or $50 for both days. Call 558-5772 for more information.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee