Palmetto Health - Teen Talk

Overview

Palmetto Health staff recognized a void of school-based programs for adolescents that encourage healthy behaviors and parent-child communication. As a result, Teen Talk was implemented in 2000 as a high-energy, school-based youth development program specifically for middle and high school students, both public and private, within Palmetto Health's service area. This voluntary, 27-week program is conducted by trained community members during each school's lunch period.

Teen Talk's objectives include providing interactive sessions and assignments that encourage discussions regarding healthy relationships, peer pressure, decision making, academic development, and community service. Program staff target determinants to healthy behaviors and academic success, such as increased social support, knowledge, and self-efficacy.

In 2008, Teen Health increased its emphasis on the consequences of tobacco use through "Trumpeter," a program component aimed at increasing student awareness and ability to critically analyze media messages regarding tobacco use and its effects. Students participating in the session also are challenged to counteract media advertisements by developing their own anti-tobacco advertisements that tell "the truth" about tobacco. Teen Talk has the commitment of volunteers from Palmetto Health hospital teams as well as area schools and community members.

Impact

Teen Talk has been implemented in more than 35 schools and has reached more than 5,000 students. Nearly 1,000 students currently are enrolled in the program. According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, teen pregnancies among 15- to 17-year-olds have decreased significantly, which may be a direct result of programs like Teen Talk.

Evaluators from the University of South Carolina's Institute for Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities determined that the key components of Teen Talk – parental influence, current and anticipated sexual activity, self-concept, goal setting, and decision making – significantly affect student behavior. Since enrolling in Teen Talk, participants report increases in self-esteem, goal setting, and decision-making. It is Palmetto Health's goal to continue striving for alternatives to detect significant long-term behavior changes.

Challenges/success factors

It is important that staff portray a positive, personable, and professional attitude. To support continual professional development and encourage positive school-community partnerships, program staff members are required to attend monthly meetings and two full-day trainings. During each engagement, teaching techniques are reviewed and critiqued.

Future direction/sustainability

Teen Talk aims to become a permanent fixture within its current schools. Program staff consistently strive to increase participant and school enrollment to decrease risky behaviors that negatively impact the lives of adolescents.

Advice to others

First, research your state's funding resources and policies on adolescent health – in schools and communities. Be aware that program rules and restrictions may be contingent on your setting.

Second, determine your program's purpose. Adolescent health is a broad issue that can be targeted in many different ways. Explore the differences between teen pregnancy programs, youth development programs, service learning programs, and comprehensive, abstinence-based and abstinence-only sex education.

Third, conduct focus groups to obtain the community's perception of teen pregnancy. Is teen pregnancy an important community issue, or is it an accepted norm?

Fourth, include your local teen pregnancy-prevention coalitions, community key leaders, and teens in the planning process. Allowing thoughts and ideas from different age groups and organizations typically encourages creativity and innovation.

Fifth, use evidence-based approaches when designing and implementing your program. National programmers such as the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Advocates for Youth offer a wealth of programs that have proved to be effective with different populations in different settings. Additionally, they offer advice on how to effectively modify programs to better meet your needs.

Lastly, youth development programs alone cannot change behaviors. Parents, schools, faith organizations, and the media also play a significant role in the overall health of our children and should also be considered important partners in this process.

Contact: H. Vince Ford
Senior Vice President, Community Services
Telephone: 803-296-2158
E-mail: vince.ford@palmettohealth.org