 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Padmini Parthasarathy, MPH and Cheri A. Pies, MSW, DrPH. Family, Maternal & Child Health Programs, Contra Costa Health Services, 597 Center Avenue, Suite 365, Martinez, CA 94553, (925) 313-6178, pparthas@hsd.co.contra-costa.ca.us
Since 1998, Contra Costa Health Services’ Family, Maternal and Child Health Community Coalition has implemented projects in Contra Costa County around teen pregnancy prevention. Over the past 1-½ years, the Coalition’s focus has grown to include general adolescent health issues as members have recognized that teen pregnancy cannot be addressed in isolation. In August 2002, the Coalition convened its partners for a planning retreat to prioritize issues and projects for the coming year. The recommendations of the California Adolescent Health Collaborative’s (CAHC) “Investing in Adolescent Health: A Social Imperative for California’s Future” were utilized as a framework for planning and prioritizing adolescent health activities. The main goal that emerged from the retreat was “to increase youth participation in local governance and public policy.” The Coalition believes that utilizing the youth development model to involve youth in local government decision-making will bring adolescent health issues to the forefront of policymakers’ agendas and will support the healthy development of adolescents in our county.
Contra Costa County was awarded six scholarships from the California Center for Civic Participation and Youth Development to its Youth-Full Government Academy, a four-day training that will provide a team of youth and adults with skills in effective youth governance, local public policy, community resources, project planning, and adolescent health issues. After receiving this training, the Coalition’s team will implement an all-day countywide youth forum that will equip youth with skills to increase their participation in decision-making and influence policy change at multiple levels in Contra Costa County.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Community Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an employee of Contra Costa County.