Empowering Youth For Brighter Futures
At the heart of our commitment to the health of youth and teens in Northern Michigan, is specialized health and wellness programs that transform the way youth care is delivered. HDNW brings proven strategies into each office location and right into local schools – we meet students right where they are. We deliver care for behavioral health, wellness, education, prevention, crisis intervention, mindfulness and more. Our youth focused programs are not only life-changing, their life-saving.
Preventing Distracted Driving & Promoting Seat Belt Safety in Northern Michigan
This year, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan partnered with the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to address distracted driving, with a focus on teens, one of the groups most at risk.
Local coalitions, RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition and SAFE in Northern Michigan Coalition, have engaged youth in this effort by creating and sharing public service announcements (PSAs) that promote safe driving habits and raise awareness among their peers.
The Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) manages federal grant funding for traffic safety initiatives across Michigan. Through data-driven strategies, education, and targeted outreach campaigns, OHSP works to influence driver behavior and reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Michigan roadways.
RISE: Otsego Substance-Free Coalition
RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition was established in January 2018 as a substance-free coalition in Otsego County. The coalition aims to prevent youth substance use, increase community awareness, and create change through collaboration, education, and prevention initiatives. These initiatives are data-driven and come from the minds of youth members. RISE always welcomes new youth and adult members.
SAFE in Northern Michigan
SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) began in 2007 when student leaders from Emmet County’s four high schools identified youth substance abuse as a top concern through the Youth Advisory Committee of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, prompting community forums where local leaders graded the response a “D+” and recommended a county-wide prevention coalition. On June 28, 2007, a diverse group of community members formed the Youth Drug & Alcohol Task Force—later renamed SAFE in Northern Michigan—which, with foundation support, launched prevention efforts and created SAFE Youth to engage student leaders.
SEAL! MICHIGAN
Dental Sealant Program
SEAL! Michigan Program was established to decrease the number of Michigan children with tooth decay, improve access to oral health services, and address oral health disparities. The program offers dental sealants and oral health education to Michigan students in school-based settings. Contact your local school district to see if they participate in this program.
Oral Health Screenings
The Michigan Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) Program helps ensure that children start school healthy and ready to succeed. A Registered Dental Hygienist from HDNW School Oral Health Services division will visit your child’s school and provide your child the FREE oral health assessment to fulfill the KOHA requirement. School screening events may occur in the Spring or Summer prior to Kindergarten enrollment or in the Fall by November 1st while your child is enrolled in Kindergarten. Parents or guardians may also fulfill the KOHA requirement by turning in a dental note to their child’s school from their dentist stating their child has established care and received a dental exam or assessment within no greater than 6 months prior of Kindergarten enrollment. Early dental screenings help identify and address potential issues, setting children up for a successful school experience. HDNW partners with Dental Clinics North to ensure healthy mouths, regardless of insurance status and income. Call 800-432-4121 for insurance assistance or to schedule an appointment
MICHIGAN FITNESS FOUNDATION
School-Based Education Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is a free nutrition education and physical activity promotion program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for children and youth who receive or are eligible to receive SNAP benefits. The SNAP-Ed program provides evidence based, nutrition and physical activity curriculum in elementary and middle school classrooms across Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego county school districts.
SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education and promotes physical activity to increase the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose healthy lifestyles. In Michigan, SNAP is also referred to as the Food Assistance Program (FAP).
Additional Resources
ADDRESSING THE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
Uplifting Minds, Changing Lives
Through the presence of on-site mental health professionals, HDNW extends the implementation of mental health strategies within school settings. Partnered with training, resources, and staff support, partner schools can proactively foster the emotional and mental well-being of all students, including those with preexisting mental and behavioral health needs. Our approach to youth mental health care is comprehensive, addressing academic, social, and behavioral aspects, with active engagement from parents and consistent communication facilitated through program updates and letters sent home to caregivers. Together, we can make a difference!