Tepeyac Community Health Center Receives Gold Adolescent-Centered Environment Certification from the Adolescent Health Initiative (AHI)
Denver, CO, March 23rd, 2022 - As of March 23rd, 2022, Tepeyac Community Health Center is proud to announce successful completion of the Adolescent Champion Model and certification as a gold adolescent-centered health center.
The Adolescent Champion Model, developed and facilitated by the Adolescent Health Initiative out of the University of Michigan, is an intervention designed to address a health center’s environment, policies, and practices to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s visit are adolescent-centered. Through the Champion Model, health centers receive guidance on improving their practices, policies, culture, and environment to support adolescent health while also participating in a community of practice with other health centers. Staff also receive training on strategies for being youth-friendly, adolescent brain development, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and nonverbal communication.
“We're so proud of the work our team has done over the last two years to create a culturally responsive, adolescent-centered care environment.” Said Gabriela Walters, Quality Program Manager at Tepeyac Community Health Center. “We know how important it is to encourage adolescent patients to begin taking charge of their own health as they become young adults and to ensure we can provide tailored support and guidance during what can be a complex, emotional, and stressful time in their lives.
During adolescence, youth experience disproportionately high rates of mental health issues, substance use, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintentional injuries that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the health care needs of adolescents are unique from other patient populations. Young people may avoid accessing the services they need for various reasons including concerns around confidentiality, fear of judgment, and inconvenient hours and location.
Adolescent-centered environments effectively provide comprehensive services for adolescents, ensuring that they feel well cared for. An adolescent-centered environment is inclusive of, informed by, and responsive to the needs and values of adolescents.
Exceeding within the Adolescent Champion Model, Tepeyac Community Health Center is committed to the provision of excellent, high-quality adolescent-centered care. We look forward to serving you, our valuable community members, for years to come.