State Rep. Julie Harhart, R-Lehigh/Northampton, had two resolutions adopted by the House of Representatives to increase awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screenings and the need for additional mentors serving youth.

House Resolution 10 designates January 2015 as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Cervical cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, yet with regular and accurate screening it is also highly preventable.The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have recommended the use of an HPV vaccine for adolescents and young adults, both female and male, between 11 and 26 years of age. Women are also encouraged to have regular screenings.Women who are uninsured may be eligible for free screening for cervical cancer through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's HealthyWoman Program. For more information on the program, go to Harhart's website at

www.JulieHarhart.com and click on the "HealthyWoman" banner.House Resolution 16 recognizes January 2015 as National Mentoring Month in Pennsylvania.Harhart said research shows participation in a high-quality mentoring relationship successfully reduces incidence of violence, delinquency, substance abuse and academic failure in young people.Pennsylvania mentoring programs are currently reaching approximately about 12,000 young people. However, thousands of youth are currently in need of mentors.