Community Collaboration Benefits Teens

More and more hospitals and health systems are leading community collaborations to create positive, healthy experiences for young people. In La Crosse, Wisc., Gundersen Health System has been collaborating with the YMCA Community Teen Center for seven years. This safe drop-in center—free of tobacco, alcohol and drugs—offers free skill-building and recreational activities geared to the talents, energy and creativity of adolescents. A licensed mental health professional from Gundersen provides ongoing education and support for teen participants, in addition to counseling and referrals for issues related to behavioral health, substance abuse and social concerns. In September, the center's new two-story building opened, with a large multipurpose gathering space, art studio, music room, tutoring office, and kitchen, where everyone pitches in to prepare snacks and clean up afterward. In 2014, the old center drew about 600 youths who made about 7,200 visits. Those numbers are expected to increase substantially in 2015 and beyond.

For more information, contact Sarah Johnson, therapist, Gundersen Behavioral Health, at SJJohns1@gundersenhealth.org.

HPOE.org has more resources on integrating and improving behavioral health and engaging communities to improve health and health care, including:

• Four Ways Hospitals Are Improving Behavioral Health Care (article)
• Hospital-based Strategies for Building a Culture of Health (RWJF/HPOE report)
• Integrating Behavioral Health Across the Continuum of Care (HPOE guide)
• Leadership Toolkit for Redefining the H: Engaging Trustees and Communities (AHA report)