Key Adolescent Health Issue Area 1:
Behavioral Health

(Refer to the Strategic and Operational Plans for more details.)

Goal 1: Rates of substance use and abuse will decrease among adolescents.

• Objective 1.1: Adolescents will delay the onset of first use of alcohol.
  1. Strategy 1.1.1: Increase evidenced-based programs, policies and procedures that support behaviors in adolescents which the delay the onset of first use of alcohol.
  2. Strategy 1.1.2: Increase data collection and data-driven decision-making regarding alcohol use for youth and young adults
• Objective 1.2: Increase the number of educational activities and media campaigns directed towards adolescents, their families, and support networks addressing the signs of substance abuse and mental health disorders.
  1. Strategy 1.2.1: Reduce access and availability of illicit drugs as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  2. Strategy 1.2.2: Increase evidence-based prevention education opportunities on the dangers of illicit drugs and misuse and abuse of prescription and over the counter medications for all community sectors.
• Objective 1.3: Decrease the number of adolescents who misuse and abuse prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  1. Strategy 1.3.1: Increase number of adolescents who perceive that they have a caring adult in their life.
  2. Strategy 1.3.2: Implement evidenced-based programs and strategies for families, schools and communities that foster and support positive youth development and empowerment

 
Goal 2: Behavioral and physical health services for adolescents will be more fully integrated to improve access and quality of care.

• Objective 2:1: Increase behavioral health prevention services, screening, and treatment referral options.
  1. Strategy 2.1.1: Improve access to substance abuse and mental health services.
  2. Strategy 2.1.2: Increase cross system collaborations at the state and local levels.
  3. Strategy 2.1.3: Integrate behavioral health screening and services into primary care settings and schools.
• Objective 2.2: Increase the number of adolescents who have health care through their Patient Centered Medical Home.
  1. Strategy 2.2.1: Increase cross discipline provider education and training opportunities.
  2. Strategy 2.2.2: Improve the skills of adolescents in accessing healthcare so they can successfully transition into the adult healthcare system.
  3. Strategy 2.2.3: Improve alignment of services for adolescents who engage in multiple systems of care
• Objective 2.3: Increase parity in insurance coverage and reimbursement for behavioral health and supportive services for adolescents.
  1. Strategy 2.3.1: Increase education and awareness among the legislature and policy makers about parity in insurance coverage and reimbursement in addressing behavioral health issues.
  2. Strategy 2.3.2: Support funding for a comprehensive behavioral health continuum of care including a focus on youth transitioning to adulthood.
• Objective 2.4: Increase the utilization of evidence-based trauma-informed care for adolescents.
  1. Strategy 2.4.1: Increase awareness of trauma informed care.
  2. Strategy 2.4.2: Increase the number of practices and agencies with policies for trauma informed care.