Baylor teen health clinic luncheon held

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- About 30,000 teenagers a year get free medical information, tests, and counseling services through the Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics throughout the Houston area every year.

At their annual fundraising luncheon Tuesday, Leandra DeWitt, a teen mom, talked about her "family that's not family" at the clinic, that helped her manage her unplanned pregnancy without having to drop out, of forgo her college and career goals.

"This young woman, with family support and our clinic support, is going to have a bright future and so is her baby," said Ann Van Horn, the Executive Director of Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics, "She is the perfect example of our hope for the future."

Zeina Fares chaired Tuesday's luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club. It grossed the organization more than $210,000. At the luncheon, The Foundation for Teen Health recognized two "Hope For the Future Honorees" for their support of the clinics. Phyllis Williams was given the June and Virgil Waggoner Award for Volunteerism, and former Lieutenant Governor of Texas David Dewhurst received the Dr. Peggy Smith Award for Professional Excellence.

Dr. Peggy B. Smith runs the program based at Baylor College of Medicine. It provides comprehensive primary and reproductive health care to youth 13 to 25 years of age, and social support services too. Van Horn says this age group has traditionally been underserved as most programs target younger children.

If you'd like more information go to www.foundationforteenhealth.org.