Adolescent Health Provider
Toolkit
Although adolescents are usually considered healthy by traditional method
standards, they face many dangers to their health, many of which are preventable.
Nearly three quarters of American adolescents see a health care provider
at least once a year. These visits offer providers an excellent opportunity
to provide preventive services.
AHWG, through the generous support of the California Endowment and its
close partnership with the San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) is managing
a two year project to improve health care providers’ services to
adolescents. The project has two main parts:
- Healthy Realities- A youth led baseline needs assessment of SFHP-affiliated
programs/agencies providing health care services to adolescents. Through
phone calls and clinic observations, youth interns have created report
cards for each agency. Programs/agencies are encouraged to make changes based on the
Healthy Realities Assessment.
- Provider Toolkit- A set of five modules targeting
adolescent specific health issues, including confidentiality, health care
101, sexual health, behavioral health, and nutrition/physical activity.
The Toolkit contains:
- Health screening, health history, and physical
exam templates.
- Health education materials for providers, teens, and
parents.
- “Cheat sheets” and decision-making algorithms
for brief office interventions.
- Resource and contact lists.
- Health websites for providers, teens, and parents.
- Tips for creating a teen friendly environment.
- And much, much more!
If you would like more information on the Healthy Realities tool or are
interested in the Adolescent Provider Toolkit, contact Dr. Janet Shalwitz
at janet@ahwg.net.
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Behavioral Health
Mental health and substance use problems are common in adolescence and young adulthood. The difficulty in making a successful referral, connecting youth and their families with qualified mental health providers,
and the lack of adequate behavioral health resources has resulted in the need for action.
In response to this growing problem, AHWG has coordinated with Edgewood Center for Children and Families to advocate for changes in the mental health system.
AHWG is also in the process of developing the fifth module to the Adolescent Provider Toolkit, the Behavioral Health Toolkit. This module will serve as a resource to primary care providers when they encounter issues related to mental health and substance use in teens.
For more information on advocacy, check out the section under "Policy and Advocacy" to learn more!
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The Adolescent Health Working Group is proud to present our policy and advocacy successes for 2005 and 2006!
The Adolescent Health Working Group has been part of some amazing advocacy and policy victories over the past year which we hope will improve youth health and well-being in San Francisco. These victories range from technical changes in policy documents to citywide expansions of access to health and mental healthcare for San Francisco’s most vulnerable youth! Click on each link for more information!
Healthy Young Adults & Healthy Young Parents Expanded to Reach SF Youth Exiting the Foster Care System!
Advocacy for the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)!
The Transitional Age Youth Task Force Begins!
Wellness Centers Expanded into 4 NEW SFUSD High Schools!
San Francisco’s Minor Consent and Confidentiality Policy New and Improved!
For more information on AHWG's advocacy work, contact Michael Smith at
Michael@ahwg.net
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Ongoing Projects
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