MGH Revere Adolescent Health Initiative
The MGH Revere Adolescent Health Initiative provides health services for young people ages 10 to 21 in Revere in order to promote healthy behaviors, reduce risk, and provide or refer patients to appropriate interventions.
Statistics reveal that young people in Revere face a number of health risks at higher rates than among youth statewide, such as dating violence, depression, and binge drinking. Relatively high Chlamydia rates may be driven by high rates of recent sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners. With the overall goal of removing such risks and improving children’s health, the Adolescent Health Initiative spans across four sites: The MGH Revere School Based Health Center (SBHC), located within Revere High School (RHS); the MGH Revere Health Center; the Adolescent Health Center (AHC), a confidential teen clinic; and the Youth Zone (YZ), a free after school program for young people.
The School Based Health Center provides comprehensive health care, including management of acute illness, sports physicals, and immunizations to all new incoming students of the Revere school system. Additionally, the SBHC offers confidential care with pregnancy testing, STD testing, gynecological care, contraceptive management, and mental health counseling. The SBHC also connects students with MGH Revere, which offers expanded services such as primary care, mental health care, obstetrical and gynecological care, and assistance with applying for insurance.
Open to all young people up to age 21 from Revere and surrounding communities, the Adolescent Health Center provides services including family planning counseling, mental health counseling, education and hosts an Alateen group.
The Youth Zone (YZ) is a free after school program offering activities to youth ages 10 to 17 who are often experiencing poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse in their homes and neighborhoods. Through Youth Zone programs, young people are able to develop life skills in a supportive environment, while enjoying activities that lay the foundation for positive changes in all areas of life.
In 2012,
- The SBHC and Revere Public Schools are participating in the Healthy Relationship Taskforce organized by the Revere CARES Coalition.
- SBHC staff are creating a video that can be accessed through the Revere Public Schools website. Students, parents, and staff will be able to learn about our services and how students can access care.
- SBHC staff will be attending a monthly systems of care meeting coordinated by our Community Service Agency. In addition, we are identifying liaisons for mental health referrals and care coordination at our local mental health agencies.
The HAVEN program at Mass General Hospital conducted activities at Revere High School to shine a light on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week.
http://www.reverejournal.com/2011/02/23/raising-awareness-about-teen-dating-violence/
Could a ban on large soft drinks be effective?
Christina Scirica, MD, MPH, a MassGeneral Hospital for Children pulmonologist and weight expert, answers questions on the potential effectiveness of the New York City ban on the sale of sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces at restaurants that was passed September 7, 2012.
The HAVEN program at Mass General Hospital conducted activities at Revere High School to shine a light on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week.
http://www.reverejournal.com/2011/02/23/raising-awareness-about-teen-dating-violence/
Kitty Bowman
Phone: 781 485-6132
