Wisconsin's advancing equity for adolescent health through evidence-based TPP program - adolescence is a busy life stage marked by significant growth and development

In this crucial life stage, youth who have foundational supports like positive adults in their life, a connection to their community and school, connections to peers, and having basic needs met are less likely to be involved in risk behaviors. In addition to these foundational factors, equipping young people with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, develop positive relationships, build empathy, manage emotions, communicate, and set goals is important for healthy development. This includes reproductive and sexual health information. Although teen birth rates are on the decline, sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates have increased among wisconsin teens. For wisconsin teens aged 15-19, the gonorrhea rate from 2020 to 2021 increased 21% and the syphilis rate increased 100%. There is a clear need for programs that support adolescent health including programs that focus on reproductive and sexual health and positive youth development. Through this funding opportunity, the wisconsin adolescent health team proposes to build upon existing and developing new partnerships to implement evidence-based youth programs with priority youth in wisconsin to address health disparities and provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and supports they need to thrive. The adolescent health team will support high quality implementation of evidence-based programs in three unique setting types - community-based organizations, schools, and system-involved youth residential and service settings - in order to reach youth of the highest need. Long term goals of this project include decreasing unintended youth pregnancy rates, reduce disparities of STI rates and teen pregnancy rates among wisconsin adolescents, and increase number of youth who feel connected to their community and youth-friendly services.