Health Department officials say Orange County’s teen pregnancy rate has dropped by 35 percent in the past year, making it the lowest in the state. The county reported 102 teen pregnancies in 2012, but only 68 in 2013.

Orange County Health Director Colleen Bridger credits comprehensive sex education, parent involvement and access to reproductive health care for the sharp decline.

However, she notes that racial and ethnic disparities still exist, with higher rates of unplanned pregnancy among local African-American and Hispanic teens.

The health department is exploring new ways to reach out, including an interactive health education avatar named “Anna,” who can answer questions from users to provide personalized advice.

You can find statewide information about teen pregnancy and sexual health here.

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