Sexual activity among unmarried young people in Oklahoma is a dangerous game. Popular culture promotes so-called "safer-sex" with little or no responsibility. As a result, many young Oklahomans are making bad decisions that are causing them great physical harm and emotional heartache.

Over 35 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)-half are incurable-are spreading at alarming rates. STDs cause often life-long physical discomfort, sterility, cancer and even death. Oklahoma City ranks among the top 20 major U.S. cities for its high rates of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea infection. Likewise, Tulsa is known for its high rates of chlamydia (17th highest nationally) and syphilis infection. The state of Oklahoma ranks 13th among all 50 states for its high teen-birth rate.

Faced with similar disturbing statistics from all 50 states, the U.S. Congress has appropriated funds to spur the creation of new, directive, character-based, abstinence- education programs nationwide.

Oklahoma Family Policy Council (OFPC), a
state-based, nonprofit, public-policy research, education and communications organization, created the KEEP program in 1999. KEEP complements OFPC's ongoing mission to strengthen Oklahoma families through informed, involved citizenship and improved public policy.

KEEP's goals are simple: (1) to convince as many teens as possible to abstain from sex until marriage, and (2) to present sexual expression within marriage as society's behavioral standard. KEEP teaches kids that abstinence-until-marriage is the only sure way to avoid STDs, emotional damage and pregnancies.

KEEP is available for all youth, aged 12-18, living within Oklahoma or Tulsa Counties (and in surrounding communities statewide, too. Ask for details).