CDC Foundation Fosters Community Partnerships to Support Youth Health in Rural Communities

The Teens Linked to Care (TLC) program promotes health and well-being for young people in rural Georgia, Indiana and Kentucky

Adolescence is a critical period when youth are shaping their sense of self and can benefit from robust health education, access to health services and safe and supportive environments. These resources help prevent substance misuse and infectious diseases and protect the mental and physical health of our youth. This Mental Health Awareness Month, the CDC Foundation is pleased to announce an expansion of its Teens Linked to Care (TLC) program. The TLC program expansion will support community collaboratives at seven sites in Georgia, Indiana and Kentucky that will work to promote the health and well-being of youth utilizing innovative approaches, tailored to their local communities’ needs.

Supported by Elevance Health Foundation, this three-year effort is designed to prevent, implement and evaluate substance use disorder through innovative strategies that include establishing Youth and Community Advisory Boards, hosting community events and health screenings and launching positive anti-bullying campaigns. The CDC Foundation is convening a network of community organizations, county health departments and high schools across the three states.

“After launching a successful pilot program in Scott County, IN, we’re excited to be able to expand TLC and offer connections to young people in rural areas where health and wellness resources may be more difficult to find and access,” said Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO, CDC Foundation. “By expanding the Teens Linked to Care program, we’re investing in stronger community partnerships that empower youth, support families and schools and help lay the foundation for a healthier future.”

The program serves teens ages 13–19, and involves parents and caregivers, health service staff, school nurses, staff and teachers, along with other community members.

TLC focuses on:

• Health education: Providing youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being so they can develop into successful learners and healthy adults.
• Safe and supportive school and community environments: Fostering social connection and contributing to improved educational and health outcomes for students and reducing substance use and other risky behaviors.
• Access to health care: Conducting school-based referrals for teens to youth-friendly community healthcare providers and increasing uptake of health and mental wellness services.

“Elevance Health Foundation is proud to collaborate with community partners such as the CDC Foundation that encourage healthy behaviors and help prevent substance misuse among youth,” said Shantanu Agrawal, MD, chief health officer of Elevance Health. “Together with the CDC Foundation, we're working to improve lives and create healthier communities.”

The community-based organizations and schools that have been selected to receive funding to implement the TLC expansion program are:

• Ben Hill County, GA: Street Smart Youth Project, Inc. at Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy
• Jenkins County, GA: Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center, Inc. with Jenkins County High School
• Macon County, GA: Association of Village Pride, Inc. at Macon County High School
• Dearborn County, IN: Deaborn County Health Department with Lawrenceburg High School
• Henry County, IN: LIVE Coalition at Castle High School
• Scott County, IN: Scott County Partnership at Austin High School
• Perry County, KY: Kentucky River District Health Department with Buckhorn High School

Scott County, IN, participated in TLC’s 2019 pilot program. For the TLC expansion program, Scott County will be a peer ambassador site and will expand their linkage to care work, focusing on trauma-informed care. In addition, they will provide mentorship and coaching to the new sites.