Optimally Changing the Map

Overview

The MCH Adolescent Team’s Optimally Changing the Map initiative focuses on implementing three programs aimed at improving adolescent health outcomes. This grant began in July 2020 and will run until the end of the grant period in June 2023.*

Botvin LifeSkills Training

Botvin LifeSkills Training is a peer-reviewed, evidence-based program that focuses on teaching youth life skills such as healthy decision-making and creating healthy relationships. This program is held in school, after school, or in a community setting.

Be Strong Families Parent and Teen Cafés

The Be Strong Families Parent and Teen Cafés program focuses community-based discussions on the five protective factors that affect adolescents: self-care, social skills, community support, adolescent development, and resilience. The program is held after work and school hours at local centers, schools, or virtually.

Adolescent Champion Model

The Adolescent Champion Model program provides the opportunity for healthcare providers, clinics, and systems to become certified adolescent-friendly clinics. This allows providers to provide better care by building relationships of trust with their adolescent patients to discuss all risks they may face. The program is cohort-based with additional clinics added each year to build a network of adolescent-friendly medical homes across the state.