Yellow Pages
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Much of the
following information was first published as the Youth Yellow Pages
by Communities Reach Out When Needed (C.R.O.W.N.) in Woods County, 1998,and
updated 2004.*
Alcohol & Drugs*
Today, everyone is exposed to drugs, both legal and illegal; and most people are tempted to experiment with them out of curiosity, for kicks, because of peer pressure, or to escape problems. It is very dangerous to experiment with drugs. Street drugs are of unknown origin and may be impure. Such drugs can kill or may lead to early addiction! All drugs have side effects which may include personality disorders, physical illness, increased risk of accidents, and possible criminal prosecution. Many drugs are also dangerous when taken in the wrong combinations. Factors such as the drug quantity, length of time taken, user's size, psychological stability, and the setting in which the drug is taken determine the drugs effects. Remember drug experimenting is dangerous. Alcohol Alcohol is a major depressant and can cause reality distortions. It slows the heart and respiration rates and effects the part of the brain which controls thought and emotions. It is an addictive depressant, and excessive use destroys brain and liver cells. Use during pregnancy can severely damage the unborn child and cause a condition known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome which may involve mental retardation, Attention Deficit Disorder or other neurological damage. Alcohol use is directly linked to violent death, domestic violence, child abuse, traffic deaths, and emotional abuse. Time is the only cure for drunkenness which may take from one hour to more than a day depending on the amount consumed and the person's weight. Alcohol taken with other drugs, prescription or nonprescription, can be dangerous and unpredictable. Large amounts of alcohol consumed over a short period of time may result in alcohol poisoning leading to a coma and ultimately death. Never leave a friend who has consumed a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time unattended-- especially if he or she has passed out! That friend may die if unattended. And remember...Friends don't let friends drive drunk! Most parents would rather come pick up a son or daughter who is drunk and talk about it in the morning than have that same child drive home drunk! Parents should discuss this with their children before it happens so that your son or daughter will feel safe in calling. Marijuana The most common effects of marijuana are distortion of time and space, decrease of short-term memory, poor coordination, and a decrease in male hormone production. Users may also experience panic attacks or paranoia. These effects are made worse if the user is already anxious, depressed or under stress. Continued use of the drug can also lead to loss of concentration and insomnia. Long term use can lead to infertility, spontaneous abortions, and birth defects. Addiction is possible. Stimulants The category of stimulants includes: cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine. The stronger stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can cause intense agitation, increased pulse and blood pressure, hallucinations, and a feeling of invincibility followed by chronic depression. Too much of these strong stimulants can cause tremors and possible death. Nicotine and/or caffeine use during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight babies. Cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco (nicotine) are directly linked to one cause of cancer. Stimulant addiction is a real and serious threat to anyone who uses them. Hallucinogens Use of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, mescaline, peyote, PCP or mushrooms causes delusions, distortion of time and space, hallucinations and intense paranoia. Continued use of these drugs can cause psychosis and permanent physical damage. "Flashbacks" (re-entering the drug experience without taking the drug) have been reported years later. INHALANTS Another category of drugs is the inhalants. They range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) used as an anesthetic, to hydrocarbons (such as gasoline, glue, etc.). This category also includes butyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, and chlorohydrocarbons (aerosol paint and cleaning fluids). The possible effects of inhalants are aggressiveness, delusions, depression, loss of memory, confusion, erratic heart beat and possible death. GET HELP! NARCOTICS Drugs such as opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, and methadone (a heroin substitute sometimes used in addiction treatment) are classified as narcotics. Some of these drugs are used medically in the relief of pain. Abuse of these drugs can cause slow and shallow breathing, convulsions, coma and possible death. The withdrawal symptoms of these drugs are severe and prolonged. ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION AND HELP For specialized help you may want to call:
For a drug related emergency, call or get to the nearest hospital emergency room:
Explore quality, up-to-date career information from school, your home computer or anywhere else you have access to the internet. Alva High School no longer has Bridges.com; however, Career Voyages is an excellent site for youth, career changers, parents, and career advisors.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT Do
not panic! Do not admit anything or hassle anyone! Exchange
names, addresses, phone numbers, names of insurance companies and drivers
license numbers. Call the police and make a report! You must
report all accidents involving the injury or death of a person or causing
damage to a vehicle or property over $300. Certain
reports are required to be filed or you may lose your license to drive or
your insurance coverage. Whatever you do, do not leave the scene of an
accident. It's a crime! If the police are called to the scene,
leave the cars unmoved, unless they may cause harm to other drivers.
If you hit an unoccupied vehicle or roadside property, you must leave a note
with your name and address and information from your insurance verification
form. This way the owner of the property will know how to get in touch
with you and with your insurance company. YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE In Oklahoma, your driver's license can be suspended if you are even "involved" in an alcohol-related offense that goes to court. ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND DRIVING What kind of intoxicants you may drink or how much you may drink is not so important as how much alcohol has been absorbed into the blood stream. That you may be able to consume large quantities of intoxicating liquor does not indicate that you are a stronger or more virile person but only that you may be on the verge of becoming a problem drinker. The amount of alcohol in the blood stream determines the degree of intoxication by its effect on the nervous system, and the nervous system develops little or no tolerance for alcohol. Driving ability is impaired with as little as .05 percent of blood alcohol concentration. The chance of becoming involved in an accident increases at an alarming rate with each additional ounce of alcohol consumed.
Many prescription drugs and over the counter drugs including
some allergy and cold medicines can interfere with your ability to drive
safely. When given a prescription for drugs or medicine, ask your
doctor or pharmacist about side effects that may effect your driving.
Anyone under the influence must not attempt to drive.
COMMUNITY SERVICE VERIFICATION STATEMENT Community Service (Volunteer Service) should always be documented or verified. The hours required for scholarships such as the Presidential Freedom Scholarship and the Discover Card Tribute Scholarship require that hours be verified. There are several ways to do this. Carry a small notebook with you and jot down important data and have the person in charge sign and date it. Even the IRS will accept documentation in a diary form as long as it is apparent that it was completed as it happened--not all at once. Another way is to have forms signed and kept in a file--that you don't lose or misplace. The following is an example from the Discover Card Application:
Community Service Verification Statement
"I certify that (1)___________________________________
participated in The Due Process Clause of the Constitution protects individuals from the deprivation of liberty or property without the due process of law. Usually, due process issues in the school context arise from student discipline, specifically suspensions and expulsion, or special education issues. In such cases, it has long been recognized that students have both a property and liberty interest in education. When they are expelled or suspended, they are deprived of their right to an education, which triggers their due process rights. What is due process? Two different types of due process are of special interest to educators: procedural due process and substantive due process. Procedural due process means that a student must be afforded notice and a hearing prior to the school taking action. The amount of procedural due process required depends on the severity of the situation. Due process for small infractions can be as simple as telling a student what infraction he or she committed and providing the student with an opportunity to explain his or her behavior. For more severe school action, due process may mean a student receives written notice of the infraction and an opportunity for a full hearing before the school board. Substantive due process relates to the nature of the decision made by the school. If a student is suspended, a challenge based on substantive due process will allege that the actions of the school were arbitrary and capricious. In other words, the school officials' action was so far from standards of fundamental fairness that the action couldn't be constitutionally upheld.
Student activities: Is process due?
The law clearly states that if a student is expelled from school for an
extended period of time, the student is entitled to due process. Most
courts have said that the same is not true for extracurricular activities.
The courts have seen participation in an activity, sport, club, etc. as a
privilege rather than a right. A student has a right to an education,
but it is a privilege to participate in extracurricular activities including
sports. However, students may have a claim if he or she is unlawfully
discriminated against under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. A
student should not be punished by exclusion if the student is exercising
valid constitutional rights. For example, a student who voices his
opinion is exercising his freedom of speech, but a student may be denied
his privilege if he engages in unprotected speech--obscene or in bad taste. Getting Leads As you begin to look for a job, ask yourself these questions. They will probably be asked of you on any job interview or job application form.
Getting Leads Here are some other ways to learn about job openings:
Students need to remember that education comes first. A student should visit with the principal who will complete a work permit for him or her which outlines the conditions under which a student may work during the school year. Students who must work may qualify for work-study. Please see the principal to discuss this possibility further. Financial aid is money that is given, earned, or lent to help students pay for their education. Most financial aid is provided by the government and by the colleges themselves. The four forms of financial aid are grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Grants and scholarships are considered "gift help" because they represent money that is given to students. Work-study and loans are considered "self-help" because they provide money that must either be earned or repaid.
Most financial aid is based on financial need; most financial aid is therefore need-based and is awarded to students whose families do not have sufficient financial aid resources to pay for college. The family's financial situation is the only thing that's considered; the student's academic record is not a factor. Loans, grants, and work-study are all examples of need-based financial aid. Merit-based financial aid is given to students who have outstanding abilities, talents, and/or achievements. The family's financial situation is not taken into consideration. The award is based entirely on the student's merit. These awards are given in order to encourage outstanding students to attend school by colleges, universities, organizations and corporations. Some financial aid awards take both need and merit into consideration. A scholarship may require that an applicant have both financial need and a certain grade point average. To what extent an award is need-based or merit-based is entirely up to the organization or college offering the award. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be completed by parents in order to be eligible to receive any financial aid provided by the federal government. States and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid. Parents should complete the form, even if they think they're not eligible. They may find they are. Some programs want documentation showing that a student is ineligible for need-based aid before they award their merit-based aid. Filling out the FAFSA is similar to filling out a tax form. Parents and students need to have their tax information ready; however, if exact figures aren't available, they can estimate, and then, if necessary amend the information later. Whether it's mailed in or completed online, the FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1 of a student's senior year. Students and parents are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper forms are available in the counselor's office as well as at the financial aid offices of most post secondary institutions. Both students and parents should apply for a U.S. Department of Education PIN and keep them in a safe place to use again and again. Remember, financial aid is not just for college or university. Students may use federal funds at any post secondary institution approved by the government including colleges, universities, career technical institutions--both state and privately operated. For financial aid purposes, students are either considered dependent or independent students. Most college students are dependent students; their parents are, therefore, expected to assume the primary role for their college education. In order for a student to be considered independent, and for his/her parent's finances not to be considered, the student must meet one of the following criteria:
Almost all financial aid is awarded in the form of a package. Financial aid packages are made up of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work-study. They can be any combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and/or loans. Most packages include loans. Therefore, it is important to not only look at the total amount of aid being awarded, but also look at the way in which the aid is distributed. Because family financial situations change from year to year, packages are for the following year only. Parents and students must, therefore, reapply for need-based aid. They must complete a new FAFSA each year.
Other sources of aid are military, AmeriCorps,
Educational IRA, and
Federal
Tax Incentives.
Learn the lingo. EFC, SAR, COA...the road to
financial aid can be flooded with alphabet soup! After your FAFSA is
processed, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) to review.
The SAR compiles your FAFSA info to determine your estimated family
contribution (EFC). The EFC is based on your family's investments,
savings and other assets that could be used to pay for college.
Colleges use your EFC to determine your financial need. To
determine your financial need, a college subtracts its cost of
attendance (COA), which varies from school to school, from your EFC,
which is a constant. The difference is your financial need, which
determines how much loan and grant help you'll need. Confused?
Involve your parents in the process. Unless you're financially
independent, you'll need their tax information in order to fill out the
FAFSA anyway. There are many services offered by various agencies in your area to help handicapped youth. Services may include shelter, recreation, educational opportunities, career and vocational guidance, and job placement help. Call any of these agencies to find out what specific programs or services they offer:
There are times when you may wish to enroll in independent study. Enroll in independent study for alternate education programs, home schooling, to graduate early, to supplement your school's curriculum, to make up course work, for home-bound instruction, to study at your own pace, to meet OHLAP curriculum requirements, to meet college admission requirements, to meet graduation requirements on time or to take college courses. At this time AHS accepts independent study from either OU or OSU, however, your enrollment requires the signature of the principal or superintendent. You will be restricted to the number of classes which will be approved based upon your past academic performance. Also, both the principal and the counselor will discuss this course of action with you. Independent study is done at the student's expense. Your total costs for enrollment include tuition, books, study materials, handling, and shipping. Your work is completed on your own although you may ask for help from any of the faculty. You mail your lessons to the university to be graded, and the counselor will administer and mail your exams. You are required to be enrolled for a minimum of six weeks. You may submit one-sixth of the total number of lessons and exams per week. The six weeks begins the day your first lesson is received at the university. If you are trying to meet a graduation deadline, be sure to account for the minimum period. Courses cannot always be completed in the minimum amount of time. Your enrollment is good for one full year, which begins on the day your enrollment application is received. Of course, you have your original 12-month enrollment plus one six-month extension--granted upon application for extension and payment of an extension fee of $40 per course--but you should outline the time you plan to spend on study to ensure that you don't need the extension and complete the work on time. You may find out more about independent study from the counselor. If you are under 18, you are generally considered a "juvenile" by law; if you are 18 or older, you are considered to be an adult in the criminal justice system. If you are 18 but not yet 21, it is still illegal in Oklahoma and most other states to even be in possession of an alcoholic beverage of any kind, beer included. Pranks--Always remember that a simple prank (stealing a construction or street sign, removing a hub cap, driving a car without permission) can lead to serious charges for which you may be confined in a state facility if you are a juvenile or in jail or prison if you are an adult. Detention If you are under 18 and are arrested for a serious crime, you may be detained in a Regional Detention Center outside of your community. If you are so detained, you will be transported back and forth in handcuffs to court by a deputy sheriff. If you are 18 or older and commit a crime, you may be detained in a county jail with other adults of all ages and backgrounds. Drug Laws Possession of a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor for the first offense; however, if the quantity is sufficient, the charges may escalate to possession with the intent to distribute, which is a felony. A second or subsequent offense is a felony for which an adult may be sent to prison. In Oklahoma, penalties for possession and for distribution of other "controlled dangerous substances" are severe and sometimes include mandatory prison time. Penalties for distribution of some hard drugs or narcotics include sentences for life in prison. Alcohol Law It is against the law in Oklahoma to serve or permit liquor to be served to persons under 21 anywhere, and it is illegal for a person under 21 to even possess an alcoholic beverage. Possession of any alcoholic beverage by a person under 18 years of age may automatically result in a loss of license for up to one year on the first offense. The second offense may result in loss of license until age 21. Driving Under the Influence Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a misdemeanor for the first offense; it is a felony for the second or subsequent offense. For a felony, you may go to prison, or lose your license to drive and increase your insurance rates for years thereafter. If you are 16 or 17, you may be charged as an adult for Driving Under the Influence or you may be charged in juvenile or municipal court. Concealed Weapons Check with the city in which you live for the laws or ordinances governing the possession of weapons. Some cities prohibit the carrying of or discharge of a weapon in the city. Federal laws apply to sale, purchase or possession of weapons. It is illegal for any person in the State of Oklahoma to carry a concealed handgun unless he or she has been issued a license from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. There is a federal law which prohibits any fire arm on school premises. This includes hunting fire arms so be sure that you take them out of your vehicle before coming to school. Search Warrants A search warrant is a paper signed by a judge giving permission to search a house, car, store, locker or other property. In the following situations the police can search without a warrant:
You do not have to volunteer anything. Do not hassle the police or speak disrespectfully. Request a receipt for anything taken and a copy of the search warrant, it there is one. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Transfer from Juvenile to Adult Court If charged with a felony offense, a juvenile may be certified to the adult criminal court. Criminal penalties are the same as adults receive if a juvenile is certified to stand trial as an adult. Factors the court will consider before certifying a juvenile as an adult are:
Any person 16 or 17 years of age when charged with:
shall be considered an adult. Public libraries provide free services which include books on everything from aerobic dancing to how to prepare meals on a budget, problems with unplanned pregnancies, and self-help books on preparing for tests such as GED, SAT, ASVAB, Civil Services, etc.
Libraries also have magazines, and newspapers. They may have videos,
computers, microfilm and microfiche, phonograph records, art and travel
information, books on CDs and cassettes, framed reproductions and displays.
Every year the U.S. military hires more than 365,000 new employees. What's more, the five branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, offer more than 300 different schools and 10,000 courses of instruction for officers and enlisted personnel. A great many of the skills people gain in the military prove valuable as they make the transition into civilian careers. The military has great educational assistance programs through the GI Bill and other tuition assistance vehicles. You don't have to be full-time military to get educational benefits either. Military reserve and National Guard members are eligible for educational assistance. That's in addition to the training and experience they receive during their service. What does it take to succeed in the military? Enlisted personnel need a high school diploma. Noncommissioned officers, who supervise enlisted people, often have an associate or bachelor's degree and are promoted, based on their performance and educational level. Commissioned officers usually hold a bachelor's degree or higher college degree. Some commissioned officers are graduates of service academies operated by the armed forces (like West Point, the Air Force Academy or the Naval Academy). Entrance into these academies is very competitive, and students who hope to attend must have not only a high school diploma and score well on SAT or ACT, but also must receive a nomination from a member of Congress. You don't need to know a congressman personally to receive such a nomination, but you need to plan early - by your junior year of high school - if you want to attend a service academy. You can get more information by contacting a military recruiter from the branch of service in which you are interested.
You can also become a commissioned officer by participating
in Reserve Officer Training Corps programs on a college campus. Some
ROTC programs offer financial assistance for students who participate in
their leadership and fitness training programs. After completing ROTC,
participants may become commissioned officers on active duty or in a reserve
unit.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse Site NCAA - (over 950 member colleges) Division I and Division II colleges can offer athletic scholarships; Division III colleges (mostly smaller, private colleges) cannot. Division III athletes do not need to meet NCAA academic requirements.
Athletes going to Division I and II colleges must have at
least a 2.0 GPA in a specified number of core courses. They must also
have the required ACT or SAT score. ACT/SAT requirements for Division
I eligibility are based on a sliding scale. (The higher the core GPA,
the lower the test score required.) Division II athletes must have a
68(sum of the 4 scores) on the ACT or a combined score of 820 on the SAT.
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE FAQ'S
What is the NCAA Clearinghouse? How do I become NCAA
Certified?
Some Important
Things to Remember: It is not possible to mix and match standards. For example, you cannot use the 13 core-course standard and the sliding scale from the 14 core-course standard. You no longer can be certified as a partial qualifier if you are certified using the 14core-course standard.
If you plan to enter college in 2005 or after, your
eligibility will be determined by using the 14-core-course standard only.
When should I apply?
Who should apply?
How do I apply?
Bring the other two copies to the counselor's office. They Also, NAIA (over 300 member colleges) can award full or partial scholarships. To play a sport or receive an athletic scholarship, an athlete must meet 2 of the following 3 NAIA requirements: 1) an ACT composite score of 18 or an 860 on the SAT, 2) an overall 2.0 GPA, 3) graduate in the top half of his/her class. NJCAA (500 junior colleges) Division I and II colleges can offer scholarships; Division III colleges cannot. There are no academic eligibility requirements for athletes entering junior colleges.
For information and advice on getting an
athletic scholarship,
athletes should talk to their coach and/or athletic director. Physical Health You can get many health care services free or based on how much you can pay (often called "sliding fee scale"). Services are confidential for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing and treatment, pregnancy tests or treatment for drug or alcohol problems. Mental Health Being mentally healthy means feeling reasonably good about yourself and others. It does not mean feeling good all the time--no one does! Everyone has strong and sometimes uncomfortable feelings about the daily problems they face. However, if these everyday feelings start to get in the way of your regular activities, they may be signs of emotional problems. Signs of emotional problems include sudden changes in mood or behavior or gradual change over a longer period of time.
Emotional problems are not hopeless or incurable; a troubled person can get help. Eating Disorders You see it everywhere: people jogging, dancing, and biking to get into tip-top shape. Bookstores have shelves of diet and health books. Just by looking at popular magazines, one sees that "thin is in". Although it's important to watch your weight, dieting can get out of hand. An eating disorder can cause severe weight loss or gain and in extreme cases, death from malnutrition, starvation or obesity. People with anorexia are afraid to gain weight and, in fact, desire to lose weight even when they are very skinny. Related eating disorders, which are just as damaging to health, occur when persons cause themselves to vomit after eating or take laxatives to keep from gaining weight. Both of these disorders can lead to heart attacks at an early age. If you suspect that a friend has such a disorder, you should report it at once. Mental Health Counseling Counseling is a chance to talk about personal issues with someone you can trust. Most often, people talk with a counselor to get help with a decision they are trying to make. You can tell the counselor how you're feeling, and in the process you'll learn to understand yourself and be able to make better choices. Counselors treat these conversations as private and confidential. Who Does Counseling Friends or relatives who are good listeners can help you think through decisions. The best helper is someone who won't put you down for the feelings you have, someone who won't say, "I told you so..." later on. Sometimes problems seem too difficult or personal to discuss with a friend or family member. When this is the case, it's a good idea to talk things through with a trained counselor. Where Is Counseling Available? There are local agencies that provide counseling for young people on issues like peer pressure, drug or alcohol problems, depression, anxiety, sexuality, and other concerns. Some agencies allow counselors to see a teenager at least once without parental permission. If this is important to you, ask about these policies when you call the agency. But don't let anything keep you from getting the help you deserve when you need it.
If you do not have health care, you may qualify for healthcare through the Oklahoma Health Authority. If you are Native American Indian, you may wish to check the tribal health care options. Almost everyone thinks about running away from home at some time. When you're feeling very bad about your life, when you want most of all to do something...anything...to change the way things are going...that's a time when it's very hard to think clearly. Talking it out with someone you can trust can often help you understand yourself better, think more clearly, and make the best possible decision for yourself. If you or a friend is determined to run (and talking it out doesn't seem to help), run to a safe place. Even the most streetwise people get taken advantage of, ripped off and seriously hurt while trying to make it on their own. Runaway Shelter and Hotline Numbers Here are some numbers you or your friends can call for help.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION How Do You Register with the Selective Service? Selective service is the program that calls up people for military service. You sign up at your local U.S. Post Office or at the Selective Service Website. There is no military draft now. Only males must register with the Selective Service when they turn 18. Remember, your FAFSA will not be processed if you are 18 and not registered. Need help? See your counselor. If someone talks about suicide, take it seriously. A friend may tell you about his/her suicidal feelings and ask you to keep this secret. You must tell someone (parent, counselor, teacher, minister). Suicide threats are cries for help from people who believe they are beyond helping. Mentioning suicide will not give someone the idea or push them over the edge. Talking about it frankly can prevent someone from acting on the idea. A suicidal person is not beyond help. The crisis period usually lasts a short time. With help a person can get better. SUICIDE PREVENTION These four questions are often used to try to determine whether an individual is suicidal.
"Yes" answers to any of these questions are very good reasons for concern. The first step in preventing a suicide is for the suicidal person to make this promise to someone, "If I feel like I'm going to hurt myself, I'll either call you or a suicide hotline first." For Help or Information:
What to do...Someone you care about wants to have sex, and you don't know...
There are many levels of touching and affection before sexual intercourse. You can stop at any level. Some couples have trouble agreeing on a stopping point. So...what should you do? Try to avoid situations where you have to decide when to stop. Before you get into a difficult situation, talk about your feelings and what seems right for you. If you can't agree, maybe you need to find someone else whose beliefs are closer to your own. It's hard to say NO to someone you really like. Only you know how much you can handle, and you're the one who has to deal with the consequences. Before you make a decision, get the facts and your feelings sorted out. Then, if you need help, talk to a person you trust and respect. Or, if you want, talk to someone confidentially, call:
or your physician, pastor, school counselor or a teacher.
Pregnancy Counseling Counseling about
options, decision making, needs, feelings, and how to deal with pregnancy is
available through health and religious agencies. What to do...Unplanned Pregnancy...If you or someone you know is pregnant and uncertain about what to do, there are places that offer help. This is a difficult time, full of feelings. Remember, there are choices. It's important to get a pregnancy test as soon as possible, to talk about it with someone you trust, and to get medical attention right away. For youth under 18, pregnancy tests are available at:
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Aids was first identified in the US in 1981. AIDS destroys the body's immune system. Infections such as rare types of pneumonia and certain rare cancers take advantage of the body's lack of defenses. Aids is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV can infect anyone if it gains access to the bloodstream. Certain practices permit this to happen: anal intercourse, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, use of nonsterile needles, receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, and transmission from a mother to her fetus. These are the only proven ways in which HIV is spread. The only way to avoid being infected with HIV/AIDS is to avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Such contamination most often occurs during sexual intercourse or by use of a contaminated hypodermic needle. Needle contamination occurs frequently among people who inject street drugs. While condoms may offer some protection during sexual intercourse, the protection is not absolute. The condom may break during the sex act or contamination may occur during disposal. There is also danger of contamination if the condom is improperly used. The risk of contracting HIV/AIDS increases when an individual has sex with more than one partner. Remember there is no vaccine, and no cure for those with AIDS.
What to do...Other sexually transmitted disease (STD)...The only way to know if you have a sexually transmitted disease is to go to your doctor or public health clinic. All STD services are confidential. Your privacy is respected. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) include:
There is nothing mysterious or shameful about getting an STD. It is not a "punishment", but it is dangerous if left untreated. Infection with Human Papilloma Virus (PV) causes genital warts.
If you suspect you have had contact with a person who has an STD, you should be tested. You may have some of the following :
WARNING: Remember you can have an STD and not have symptoms. Untreated STD's can result in permanent damage including: sterility, heart disease, damage to unborn baby, insanity, paralysis, blindness, deafness, nonhealing skin ulcers, arthritis, deformity and even death. Tests and Hotlines When you go to your physician or clinic, you will be given a simple medical exam and lab tests to determine if you have an STD. Do not allow shame or embarrassment to keep you from seeking help. See a doctor or contact your local public health clinic or family physician.
What to do...sexual abuse...if you are being touched by a family member, adult friend or someone else in a way that hurts, scares, or confuses you...if someone touches your private body parts and asks you to keep it a secret. If something like this is happening now or has happened in the past, and you would like to talk to someone about it, but you don't know who you can trust...Call...
What to do...violent behavior...if you or a friend has been beaten up by someone or your actions toward someone else are controlling or abusive, you should seek help. Abusive behavior includes "mind games", threats, put-downs, making someone accountable to you for his/her time or actions--in short, all attempts to dominate or control another person. This is not part of a normal healthy relationship. This is psychological violence! If you are being controlling or abusive, you can learn healthier ways to deal with stress and other emotions than by dumping on someone close to you. Counseling is available for men and women who want to stop the violence now. If you are a victim of abuse, you cannot make the person hurting you stop. It only stops when you get out and get help. No one deserves to be abused. Counseling, support, and shelter are available, but you have to take the first step. Call the police, run away, go to a friend or neighbor or call the 24-hour Crisis line for help.
rape/sexual assault What to do...rape/sexual assault...Rape, sexual assault, or the attempt to force someone into having sex are not part of dating or courtship. Each is a crime. You have the right to say no to anyone who tries to touch you in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable. If that person will not leave you alone, try to get away as soon as possible. A rapist can be anyone: a relative, an acquaintance, a neighbor or a date. Most victims are assaulted by someone they know while in a vulnerable situation: alone, out of earshot, overpowered, and afraid. No one is raped because of how she or he act or what he or she wears. If you have been assaulted, it is not your fault. You need to have people to talk with who understand what you are going through. Responsibilities and Consequences Boys who engage in sexual relations with girls automatically assume certain responsibilities and expose themselves to certain possible consequences. Among those responsibilities and consequences are the following:
Victims of rape and sexual assault should receive medical treatment. A Crisis Center Volunteer can meet you at the hospital and provide emotional support. You are free to decide whether to report the crime to the police, even if you receive Emergency Room Treatment. If you or a friend are looking for help or have been raped call:
Be aware of those around you. It is very easy to slip "something" into an unattended drink. This can happen while you are dancing or go to the restroom. Do not drink from a glass that you have left on the table or on a ledge or anywhere. In addition, you should always keep your hand over the top of your glass, can or bottle while standing around or walking through a room. This will keep someone from putting something into your drink when you aren't looking. Date rape is on the rise. You may not even remember that it happened. How to Register You must fill out a voter registration application form. Voter registration applications are available at the Woods County Election Board at the Woods County Courthouse, the post office, the tag agency, the public library, the counselor's office or by visiting the Oklahoma Election Board website. You will be offered a voter registration application when you get your driver's license and when you apply for assistance at some government agencies. Changing Your Registration Changes you may need to make are:
You must fill out another voter registration application form to change your voter registration. You may change your registration at any time with one exception. You cannot change your political affiliation between July 1 at 5 p.m. and September 30 at 5 p.m. in even-numbered years. Closed Primary System Oklahoma has a closed primary system. Only voters who are registered members of a recognized political party may vote for the party's candidates in primary and runoff primary elections. Registered independent voters may be eligible to vote in a party's primaries and runoff primaries if authorized by the party. However, nonpartisan judicial offices, state questions and county questions often are included in primary elections. All registered voters, including independents, are entitled to receive those ballots. At general elections, all voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. When to Register You may submit your voter registration application form at any time. However, voter identification cards cannot be issued during the 24 days prior to an election. If your registration application is received by the county election board during the 24 days before and election, you will not receive your voter identification card until after the election. If you will become 18 during the 60 days before an election, you may apply for voter registration between 25 and 60 days before an election. Absentee Voting Any registered voter in Oklahoma may vote by absentee ballot. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee. Applications for absentee ballots must be made in writing. Absentee ballot application forms are available from all county election boards and from the State Election Board. You may apply for absentee ballots for one election, for several elections or for all elections in which you are eligible to vote during the calendar year in which the application is submitted. You may mail your absentee ballot application to the county election board, you may fax it or you may deliver your own application personally to the county election board office. (You may not deliver an application for another person, however. It's the law.) The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is always 5 p.m. on Wednesday preceding the election. Returning Your Ballot If your absentee ballot is mailed to you, you must return it to the county election board by mail. An absentee ballot must be received by the county election board before 7 p.m. on election day to be counted. In-Person Absentee Voting Voters may cast an absentee ballot in person at the county election board office on Thursday, Friday and Monday before all elections. Democrat or Republican? Here are two links which might help you know if you are a democrat or republican. Websites offer a wealth of information on topics which may concern you. If you do not have internet accessibility in your home, AHS has locations throughout the school. Each of the classrooms has at least one computer linked to the internet. In addition, the library and the computer laboratory have accessibility. There is one computer in the counselor's office dedicated for student use and may be used before and after school and in the evening. It is better to make arrangements ahead, but sometimes you have problems that arise. Just ask the counselor--it can be arranged.
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