THE FOCUS PROGRAM

Credible research indicates that alarming proportions of young people engage in behaviors which put them at risk for serious health problems. The Focus Program addresses the adolescent risk behaviors identified in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.


Description of Program:

The Focus Program promotes school and community partnerships for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other adolescent risk behaviors. The program is based on a student led approach and seeks to promote youth involvement in the planning of prevention activities. The class includes: focus group training, peer helping, peer mediation, peer tutoring, violence prevention, and positive decision making skills. Other features of the program include planning monthly health observances, a yearly school health fair, and service learning. Teacher training is provided through various Regional Education In-service Centers.

The Focus Program is being replicated throughout the State of Alabama. The program is supported by the Alabama State Department of Education, Governor’s Commission on AIDS, community based organizations, and local education associations. 

Every year the Focus Program hosts two events tailored specifically for students. The recurring events include the Rally for Awareness held in the Spring and the Alabama Youth Council held in the Fall.

Rally for Awareness

Alabama Youth Council

The  Alabama Youth Council is a collaboration with the Alabama State Department of Education (ASDE), the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (ACPTP), and the Focus Program.

In summary, as a result of the Focus Program, students have had opportunities rarely afforded previously. Youth have gained knowledge, leadership skills, and an awareness regarding their value in the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors. The program has also enabled students to build a stronger resume and investigate public health career options.


Program Objectives:

Promotional consultants will:

• Schedule and meet with key individuals in school systems across the State of Alabama to provide program information, training, and promotion of the Focus Program.
• Promote partnerships between community agencies and schools for youth involvement in prevention efforts.
• Participate in the ADPH's State HIV/AIDS Prevention Council.
• Participate in the ADPH's Area HIV/AIDS Prevention Networking Groups.
• Collaborate with the ADPH HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinators and schools in implementation of the program.

Focus Program facilitators will be encouraged to:

• Promote student involvement in the Focus Program.
• Participate in teacher training through ASDE Regional Education In-Service Centers.
• Plan and participate in monthly health observances, including but not limited to: Heart Health, World AIDS Day, Seat Belt Safety, Prevention of Underage Alcohol Use, Red Ribbon Week, Great American Smoke Out, and others as selected by the students and facilitators.
• Select and plan community service projects (2 per year).
• Maintain accurate and organized records on program activities and submit an end of the year report.
• Complete survey information to determine the effectiveness of the program.

Focus Program schools gain access to the ADPH's extensive resources, trustworthy and reliable information, support and guidance including:

• Support from the Focus Program Director and ADPH’s HIV Prevention Coordinators.
• Assistance in enhancing effective HIV prevention to meet, and exceed, the Alabama Department of Education’s minimum requirements.
• Notification of updates and advocacy issues from www.thefocusprogram.com.  



Order the FOCUS Program 2010-2011 T-Shirt! Deadlines for Orders: September 10, 2010




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