University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Project Name: University of Texas Teen Health: Advancing Equity in Adolescent Health in Rural and Special Populations (UT Teen Health)

Project Overview: University of Texas Teen Health (UT Teen Health) will advance equity in adolescent health by replicating evidence-based programs (EBPs) and positive youth development in 38 counties throughout South Texas. These programs will deliver youth-centered, medically accurate, and high-quality programming and services to youth ages 10-24, with the aim to improve health outcomes and promote optimal health. Programming will be delivered in multiple settings, including school districts, clinics, community-based organizations, houses of worship, detention centers, and group and residential care programs. UT Teen Health will also conduct programming and activities to strengthen family/caregiver and teen communication, enhance linkages to community clinics, and provide youth with meaningful leadership opportunities and voice. UT Teen Health aims to use a sustainable model to train facilitators to reach 20,000 youth annually. 

Community(ies) Served: School districts, clinics, community-based organizations, houses of worship, detention centers, and group and residential care programs in 38 counties in South Texas 

Target Population: Youth (primarily Hispanic) ages 10-24 years

Geographic Area Served (Urbanicity of Community): 38 South Texas countries including: Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Cameron, Comal, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Maverick, Medina, Nueces, Real, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala (Rural)

Average Anticipated Number of Youth Served Annually: 20,000