MSDH Adolescent Health Program

This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies.

The mission of the Adolescent Health Services program is to protect and promote the health and well-being of pre-adolescents, adolescents and young adults in the state of Mississippi.

Goals

  • Implement strategies and policies that enhance the overall health of pre-adolescents, adolescents and young adults, ages 10- 21.
  • Promote services that support the Adolescent Health Objectives of Healthy People 2020
  • Create services and policies that are formed from a holistic youth development approach.
  • Address health disparity issues among pre-adolescents, adolescents and young adults.
  • Develop partnerships with local, state and national community partners across a broad range of adolescent health issues.

The Adolescent Health Services Program serves as a resource to Mississippi communities in assessing and addressing strengths and risks related to adolescent status through:

  • Consultation and training
  • Assessing teen health status
  • Involving youth in decisions and planning programs to address their needs
  • Stimulating, planning, supporting and evaluating adolescent health programs

The Adolescent Health Services Program seeks to promote positive youth development and prevent or reduce negative health outcomes, focusing on:

  • Promoting good mental health
  • Reducing aggression and violence
  • Preventing alcohol, tobacco and other substance use
  • Avoiding early initiation of sexual behavior, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS
  • Preventing unintentional injuries and mortality
  • Promoting healthy nutritious lifestyles and physical fitness activities
  • Improving oral health
  • Increasing health insurance coverage and adequate access to quality health care services

Key audiences that can impact adolescent health

  • Local governments
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Health care providers
  • Educators and school health staff
  • Parents and adolescents themselves
  • Policymakers, including legislators
  • Business leaders
  • Faith-based communities
  • Community youth advocates

Primary activities

The Adolescent Health Program partners with many agencies and organizations to address health disparity issues among children, adolescents and young adults. Activities include:

Additional Resources

Contact

For more information on Adolescent Health Program services, please contact your nearest county health department or call 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-453-4948) or (601) 576-7464.

Last reviewed on Nov 29, 2023 request edits
Mississippi State Department of Health 570 East Woodrow Wilson Dr Jackson, MS 39216 866‑HLTHY4U Contact and information

Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS

Accredited by the national Public Health Accreditation Board