Relationships, contraception, HIV — Northeast Florida teens had a variety of sexual health questions for the new BrdsNBz text message line that launched January 15.

Initial results show that BrdsNBz NE Florida demonstrated a steady utilization during its first month. BrdsNBz provides confidential, factually accurate answers to sexual health questions via text message for teens 12-18 years old.

The service is free (standard text message rates may apply), anonymous and provides real-time responses. To utilize the program, teens can text NEFLTeen to 66746 to opt-in to the service and then submit their question. Health educators with more than 40 years of combined public health experience respond to questions within 24 hours.

In addition to texting in initial questions, half of the adolescents that utilized the service submitted follow-up questions.

BrdsNBz is available to teens in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties through the Healthy Start Coalition’s Teen Health Project PREP grant. Promotional materials are available to agencies; please contact Erin Petrie at epetrie@nefhsc.org.