Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Feb 22;21(3):252.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph21030252.

Addressing Adolescent Substance Abuse and Risky Sexual Health Behaviors via Youth-Led Initiatives: A Review of the Teens Linked to Care Pilot Program

Hailey Bednar  1 , Suzanne McMillan  1 , Turquoise Sidibe  1 , Melissa Bennett  1
Affiliations
Review

Addressing Adolescent Substance Abuse and Risky Sexual Health Behaviors via Youth-Led Initiatives: A Review of the Teens Linked to Care Pilot Program

Hailey Bednar et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

The Teens Linked to Care (TLC) pilot program utilized a youth-led integrated strategy to prevent substance use and risky sexual behavior among school-attending youth at disproportionate risk, including sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). The program developed a framework to address human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), teen pregnancy, and high-risk substance use within schools. Strategies included education, primary prevention, and early detection screening. High schools in two rural counties served as pilot sites and successfully implemented strategies to encourage youth to engage in healthier sexual practices and avoid harmful substance use. An evaluation of TLC demonstrated its effectiveness in developing youth-friendly resources, promoting connectedness, and building resiliency among students and staff. This program used the results of two iterations of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to understand the situations of youth, including SGMY. YRBS results helped tailor program activities for SGMY populations. By focusing on education, access to care, and supportive environments, schools can utilize the TLC model to combat youth substance abuse and risky sexual practices.

Keywords: Teens Linked to Care; risky behaviors; substance abuse; youth-led programming.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors whose names are listed on this manuscript have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as grants; participation in bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock, or other interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements) or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

References

    1. Teens Linked to Care (TLC)|DASH|CDC. [(accessed on 31 August 2023)]; Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/teens_linked_to_care.htm.
    1. CDC Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth|Adolescent and School Health|CDC. [(accessed on 19 August 2021)]; Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/dash-substance-use-fact-s....
    1. CDC Youth High-Risk Drug Use Is Linked to Risky Health Behaviors and Experiences|Adolescent and School Health|CDC. [(accessed on 19 August 2021)]; Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/hrsu.htm.
    1. CDC YRBSS (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System) Data Summary & Trends|DASH|CDC. [(accessed on 26 October 2021)]; Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/yrbs_data_summary_and_trends.htm.
    1. CDC Terminology|DASH|CDC. [(accessed on 23 December 2022)]; Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/terminology/sexual-and-gender-identity-....