OVERVIEW

Mission: To improve the health of adolescents by providing physical and mental health care, education, advocacy and research through connections with teens, parents and the community.

Vision:  Every adolescent empowered to be healthy, safe and successful.

HEALTH CARE

(2007 Statistics) 

2,400 patients (5,000 visits) 

Race/Ethnicity:

  • African American     68%
  • Latino                   17%
  • Caucasian              11%
  • Asian                      1%
  • Multi-racial              1%
  • Other                     1%

Gender:

  • Female                  65%
  • Male                     35%

Services:

  • Acute/Chronic          38%
  • Preventative            33%
  • Reproductive           14%
  • Psychosocial           15%

The Teen Health Connection medical practice provides medical education for physician residents at Carolinas Medical Center.

HEALTH EDUCATION

FOR TEENS:

Healthy Choices, Healthy Teens – a fact-based comprehensive health education program

Healthy Choices Girls’ Group – a program for girls to build health knowledge and goal setting skills    Peer Education – a program to train teens as peer health educators                    Individual consultations – one-on-one health education

FOR PARENTS:

Parenting Healthy Teens – a fact-based program to help parents understand teen health issues

Parent-Teen Communication – a forum for parents and their teens to encourage better communication

FOR PROFESSIONALS:

Adolescent Health Network – a bi-monthly series for professionals working with teens

In-service Education – staff education for organizations that serve teens

Consultation – one-on-one consultation with staff

ADVOCACY

FOCUS:

Provide data and advocate for

§  Community approaches to helping teens make healthy living choices and avoid risky behaviors

§  Access to primary care and mental health services for all adolescents

RESOURCES: Serve as a community resource for teens, parents and professionals

AWARENESS:  Promote community awareness and understanding of the health challenges of adolescents

PUBLIC POLICY: Work for changes in public policy that impact adolescent health

COLLABORATION:  Identify and work with community partners to meet the health needs of adolescents in Mecklenburg County