the adolescent sexual health symposium: what we did and what we learned february 2-3, 2009 new york...
TRANSCRIPT
The Adolescent Sexual Health Symposium:
What we did and what we learned
February 2-3, 2009
New York City, New York
Purpose
To learn about and explore the latest research and best practices regarding the promotion of the optimal sexual health of young people
To bring together experts in the field with practitioners, policy makers, emerging leaders, health advocates, and youth to inform future DOH initiatives
Symposium Themes
Current trends in adolescent sexual behavior
Disparities in access to adolescent sexual health services, information, and education
Ecological influences: environments, relationships and adolescent sexual health
New information and communication technologies
Panel of Experts Claire Brindis, UCSF
Sarah Brown, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
Michael Carerra, Childrens Aid Society
Alwyn Cohall, Harlem Health Promotion Center, Columbia University
Angela Diaz, Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center
Ralph DiClemente, Emory University
Douglas Kirby, ETR Associates
Jonathan Klein, UR-Division of Adolescent Medicine
Deborah Levine, Internet Sexuality Information Services
Guillermo Prado, University of Miami
John Santelli, Columbia University
Other Stakeholders
State Agencies Advocacy Groups National Funders NYC agencies Providers Other Youth
Technology
““Technology is a gift to public Technology is a gift to public health”health”
- Sarah Brown- Sarah Brown Vital to youthVital to youth Potential explodingPotential exploding Can help address racial/ethnic disparitiesCan help address racial/ethnic disparities Emerging, innovative strategies: Emerging, innovative strategies:
NOT evidence-basedNOT evidence-based
ISIS-Inc: Deb Levine
Internet Sexuality Information Services: Internet Sexuality Information Services:
www.isis-inc.org www.isis-inc.org
SexInfoSexInfo
InSPOTInSPOT
Harlem Health Promotion Center: Alwyn Cohall
Use technology to:Use technology to: Make use of waiting timeMake use of waiting time Improve assessment Improve assessment Educate patientsEducate patients Reach partnersReach partners
Clinical Services & Service Delivery
Break down silos Holistic and youth-friendly Training Funding
SILOS: Ralph DiClemente
The time for incremental changes has passed. A bold and innovative initiative is needed. Ultimately, political and public health resolve and leadership to is needed to create an integrated continuum of sexual health services and effective delivery systems to eliminate racial disparities.
Holistic, Youth-Friendly Services
Move beyond a problem focus; help young Move beyond a problem focus; help young people build skills people build skills
Tailor services to youthTailor services to youth
Understand the familial and cultural contextUnderstand the familial and cultural context
Training
“Young people see their worth in that worker’s eyes.”
- Michael Carrera
Funding
We must always remember to address funding. “Keep talking about money.”
- Sarah Brown
Information, Education, & Curriculum-Based Programs
Media / awareness campaignsMedia / awareness campaignsSchool-based educationSchool-based educationEffective ProgrammingEffective Programming
Media / Awareness Campaigns
Engage youthEngage youthGo positive—and fun!Go positive—and fun!Target messages Target messages Use technology, but be smart Use technology, but be smart
about itabout it
School-Based Education
School-based health clinicsSchool-based health clinicsGay/Straight AlliancesGay/Straight AlliancesService-LearningService-LearningComprehensive sexual health Comprehensive sexual health
educationeducation
Curriculum-Based Programming
17 Characteristics of Effective Programs17 Characteristics of Effective Programshttp://www.thenationalcampaign.org/ea2007/http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/ea2007/characteristics.pdf characteristics.pdf
One size will not fit allOne size will not fit all Implement with fidelityImplement with fidelity Positive content; broad perspectivePositive content; broad perspective
Positive Youth Development
Programs can’t do it all.
Engage youth Engage families Engage communities
Youth
Involve young people in decision-Involve young people in decision-making roles at every levelmaking roles at every level DesignDesign ImplementationImplementation EvaluationEvaluation
Families
Connectedness is protective Broad definition of “family” Some parents can become sexperts! High aspirations Latino and African American family strength
Communities
Alignment Opportunities for contribution Supportive relationships with adults
AdvocacyAdvocacy
Adolescent sexual health poster designed by Kristy C. Jerkins and Kruti Sheth, based on NYS DOH Adolescent Sexual Health Working Groups definition of sexual health
Additional Resources Using Media and Technology to Improve Sexual Health Outcomes for
Youth (2010) - Alwyn Cohall, MD, demonstrates that in clinical practice, using youth-friendly technology can lead to far better outcomes for adolescent sexual health.
Using New Media to Promote Adolescent Sexual Health (2009)Deb Levine describes some of the new media and communications technologies that have become popular in recent years, together with case examples demonstrating how these technologies are being used for sexual and reproductive health.
Adolescent STI/HIV Prevention Programs: What Works for Teens? (2010) Jessica M. Sales and Ralph J. DiClemente examine why STI rates are so high among adolescents and explore strategies that program providers can use to help adolescents effectively reduce their risk.
A New Vision for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (2009)John S. Santelli and Amy T. Schalet review historical and cultural contexts—particularly adult attitudes toward adolescent sexuality—to point us toward healthier outcomes in the United States.