#USA #Atlanta #CDC Foundation #Teens Linked to Care #Youth Health

New Initiatives for Youth Health in Rural Areas

The CDC Foundation has recently announced a significant expansion of its Teens Linked to Care (TLC) program aimed at supporting the health and well-being of youth in rural communities. As adolescence is a vital time for personal development, it’s essential that young individuals receive adequate health education and access to health services. This initiative aims to equip teenagers with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of their health and develop into healthy adults.

Understanding the TLC Program

The TLC program is rooted in the understanding that robust health education can prevent substance misuse, mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, and promote mental well-being among teenagers. Its expansion, funded by Elevance Health Foundation, seeks to foster community partnerships across seven locations in Georgia, Indiana, and Kentucky.

With this three-year initiative, the CDC Foundation plans to tackle common public health challenges through innovative strategies tailored to the specific needs of local communities. The approach includes the formation of Youth and Community Advisory Boards, community events, health screenings, and campaigns aimed at combating bullying.

Judy Monroe, MD, President and CEO of the CDC Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “After launching a successful pilot program in Scott County, IN, we’re excited to be able to expand TLC and offer connections to young people in rural areas where health and wellness resources may be more difficult to find and access.” The program will have a significant positive impact on communities lacking essential health resources.

Key Components of the TLC Initiative

The TLC initiative focuses on several vital components:

• - Health Education: The program provides youth with informative resources to make sound health-related decisions, empowering them to become successful learners and individuals.
• - Supportive Environments: It aims to cultivate safe and nurturing school and community environments that nurture social connections, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and reduced risky behaviors.
• - Access to Care: By facilitating referrals from schools to youth-friendly healthcare providers, the initiative increases young people's access to vital health services.

“Elevance Health Foundation is proud to collaborate with community partners such as the CDC Foundation that encourage healthy behaviors and help prevent substance misuse among youth,” said Shantanu Agrawal, MD, Chief Health Officer of Elevance Health. This collaboration is critical to building healthier communities and improving the lives of the youth involved.

Community Impact

The TLC expansion will impact multiple communities throughout Georgia and Indiana:

1. Ben Hill County, GA - Street Smart Youth Project, Inc. at Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy.
2. Jenkins County, GA - Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center, Inc. in alliance with Jenkins County High School.
3. Macon County, GA - Association of Village Pride, Inc. at Macon County High School.
4. Dearborn County, IN - Dearborn County Health Department in association with Lawrenceburg High School.
5. Henry County, IN - LIVE Coalition at Castle High School.
6. Scott County, IN - Scott County Partnership at Austin High School serves as a peer ambassador site.
7. Perry County, KY - Kentucky River District Health Department in conjunction with Buckhorn High School.

Having previously participated in TLC’s pilot program, Scott County will share its experiences and insights to bolster the effectiveness of the initiative in other communities, particularly focusing on trauma-informed care.

Conclusion

The CDC Foundation’s commitment to the health of rural youth signifies a positive step towards building a stronger, healthier future for communities often overlooked in health conversations. By launching the TLC program, they are not only providing essential health resources but also empowering communities to take an active role in safeguarding the wellness of their children. This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership in public health, illustrating how collaborative efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

For more information about the CDC Foundation and their initiatives, visit www.cdcfoundation.org and follow them on social media.