HOW OUR CAPP PROGRAM HELPS TODAY’S YOUTH

Do you know how MiSN’s Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP) program is helping our youth?

As part of its mission, and through the work of Community Health Educators, our CAPP program sustains healthy relationships, by educating youth on personal and professional development to empower them and their dreams. Our youth programs are funded by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive, and Sexual Health and additional funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The MiSN CAPP team implements evidence-based and affirming youth development and teen pregnancy prevention programs throughout Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster County in a variety of settings including the school system, boys’ and girls’ clubs, community-based organizations and community events aimed at youth development. These programs have been thoroughly assessed and proven to reduce the risk factors associated with teen pregnancies and becoming a teen parent.

The CAPP program at MiSN aims to

• Support youth in practicing health-promoting behaviors and reducing risk behaviors.

• Reduce barriers to preventive reproductive health care services.

• Promote healthy, safe, and nurturing environments and relationships

• Identify risk factors and address special needs (medical, psychosocial, developmental) early through accessible and coordinated support.

The Role of Community Health Educators

Community health educators play a vital role in promoting health and wellness for youth by helping to identify health issues, develop resources, and educate people in a variety of settings:

•   Assess needs: Community health educators assess the health needs of their community and identify health trends and issues.

•   Develop programs: They create programs, materials, and events to teach people about health topics. These programs are delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and worksites.

•   Provide education: Community health educators educate people about health topics, such as smoking cessation, unhealthy eating, and substance abuse.

•   Provide support: They offer one-on-one support to people with the greatest needs.

•   Advocate: They advocate for improved health resources and policies.

•   Partner with stakeholders: They work with public health departments, schools, government offices, and local nonprofits to design programs and resources.

•   Evaluate effectiveness: They evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and educational materials.

Does this sound like something your family or a youth you know between ages 10 and 21 needs? Visit https://misn-ny.org/capp-youth-services for more information today!