Our Voices for Change

Discover insights from a new case study showing how a school mental health screening program powered by trauma-responsive screening technology is helping educators identify needs earlier and strengthen support for students.

Not all adolescent screening tools are built the same. Learn what a validated, effective teen risk screener looks like and how TTV raises the standard.

The school year is almost here. Are you ready? Learn why late summer is the most important screening window for adolescent mental health and what tools make it count.

Teen mental health risks rise over summer. Help parents build connection before the last bell rings — expert strategies for youth-serving professionals.

The photos are already flooding your feed: the gowns, tuxedos, caps and gowns. Prom and graduation season is here, and on the surface, it looks like pure joy and celebration. But as a youth-serving professional, you see this season differently than most people. You’re keenly aware that the weeks surrounding prom and graduation are one […]

They’re sitting right in front of you. Eye contact? Minimal. Responses? Monosyllabic. But the moment there’s a pause—a notification sound, a buzzing pocket, a brief lull in conversation—they’re gone. Mentally and emotionally, they’re instantly somewhere else. If you work with youth, you know this scene. You’ve probably lived it dozens of times this month alone. […]

Stress is a natural part of growing up. But when stress becomes chronic, unrecognized, or unsupported, it can significantly impact youth wellbeing—affecting mental health, academic engagement, physical health, and decision-making. Today’s youth are navigating increasing demands in a rapidly changing world. For many, stress is not tied to a single event, but to the cumulative […]

Healthy relationships are a cornerstone of youth wellbeing. Friendships and dating relationships shape how young people learn to communicate, navigate boundaries, manage conflict, and build a sense of belonging. When these relationships are supportive, they strengthen protective factors. When they are unhealthy, they can contribute to isolation, distress, and long-term risk. Youth-serving professionals play a […]

How Trauma-Responsive Youth Screening Helps Identify Risk Earlier “Are you sure?” That’s the question teen artist Carmen Pangilinan (she/her) wants youth-serving professionals to pause and consider. Her award-winning artwork 20/20, recognized through the University of Michigan Adolescent Health Initiative’s Experience Through Art Award, challenges us to look more closely at how we assess youth wellbeing—and […]

As we close and reflect upon another impactful year at Possibilities for Change, we’re filled with both gratitude and optimism. We’re grateful for the compassion and dedication of youth health professionals across the globe. And we’re optimistic for what we’ll achieve together in the new year as the movement to combine evidence-based tools and cutting-edge […]

Date: November 20, 2025Location: Nationwide Each year, the Great American Smokeout motivates people across the country to take a meaningful step toward a nicotine-free life. For youth-serving professionals, this day is an important opportunity to elevate conversations, encourage readiness for change, and connect young people with practical support to help them quit vaping, e-cigarettes, and […]

In honor of National Mental Health Screening Month, we’re celebrating the schools, clinicians, and partners leading the way toward early identification and meaningful action for youth mental health. A National Moment of Reflection—and Action Every October, Mental Health Screening Month calls on individuals, families, and institutions to take stock of mental health—not just to raise […]

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns affecting young people today. In fact, 23% of youth screened with the system in 2024–2025 reported moderate or severe anxiety. Because anxiety looks different depending on a child’s age and stage of development, understanding these distinctions is critical. By recognizing how symptoms show up in […]

“The biggest game isn’t played on the field—it’s played in the mind.” – Marshall Faulk The pressures our young people face today don’t end when the bell rings or the game clock stops. Mental health is the strongest predictor of a youth’s well-being, academic success, and future potential—and yet: These aren’t just numbers—they’re warning signs. […]

When Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis visited Colorado’s Conifer High School, he didn’t just deliver a motivational speech—he sparked a transformation. The special event marked the launch of the Rising Together Schoolwide Mental Health Screening™ program in Colorado, a bold initiative designed to identify and support at-risk youth before they reach a crisis […]

Foster Care Challenges Impacting Youth Mental Health Every year, nearly 400,000 young people in the U.S. spend time in the foster care system. These youth frequently face uniquely daunting challenges that negatively impact their mental health, their sense of safety, and their overall development. Studies show foster youth are nearly twice as likely as their […]

Why It Matters Right Now “When you’re dealing with real problems, you got to say something and you got to say something to somebody you trust.” – Ray Lewis Across the country, too many young people are suffering in silence. Mental health is the strongest predictor of a youth’s well-being, academic success, and future potential—yet: […]

The Role of Alcohol in Sexual Assault April marks both Alcohol Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These two public health issues are often addressed separately, but they are deeply interconnected. Alcohol plays a major role in incidents of sexual assault—particularly among youth and on college campuses. This blog aims to unpack that link, […]

Stress is a natural part of growing up, but when it builds up without an outlet, it can take a real toll on youth mental health, academic performance, and physical wellness, too. Which of these sound familiar? ⮞ A high school junior is juggling three AP classes, college visits, and a varsity sport, constantly feeling […]

Romantic relationships can be exciting, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming for youth. As they start exploring these connections, they often rely on what they see in the media, among their peers, or at home – some of which may not set the best example. Without guidance, they might struggle to understand what makes a relationship healthy, […]

On February 4, 2025, healthcare leaders, advocates and champions gathered for the NFL Alumni Health’s “Huddle for Health” symposium to discuss a groundbreaking approach to youth mental health. Dr. Jen was joined by technology partner Carl Rashid, Corporate Affairs and Business Development at J&B Medical, and Dr. Loretta Dumontet, Medical Director of AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana. […]

Healthcare Leaders and Beloved Pro-Athlete Champion Unite in a Nationwide Movement to Support Youth with Schoolwide Mental Health Screening New Orleans, La., February 18, 2025 – Earlier this month during Super Bowl week in New Orleans, J&B Medical, a leader in healthcare technology, proudly shared its collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Salerno, Founder and CEO of […]

Reducing risk for youth in K12 settings starts with understanding the risks they encounter every single day. Risks like anxiety, depression, bullying, and substance use often go unnoticed. The challenge for professionals who work in K12 settings lies in early identification – before the risks escalate. Early identification makes effective intervention possible. Schoolwide screening offers […]

I’ll go first. SunsetsBeing outside in the fallFast, reliable WiFiMy book clubStrong coffee at 6AMMy tiny, windowsill herb garden!Healthy and happy kids Your turn. Can you slow down for 3 minutes? It’ll be just long enough to stop scrolling, grab a pen, and take a breath. Now, think of 5 or 6 things for which […]

Mia feels her heart race as she glances over her shoulder. A couple weeks ago, one of her classmates posted a picture of her on Snapchat – they’d used the cow lens over her face for the snap and started ‘mooing’ whenever she walked by. At first, Mia had no idea what was happening – […]

“Anxiety among kids is on the rise…”“Teenage anxiety epidemic…”“Kids’ mental health is in crisis…”“Anxiety and depression spiking among young people…”“Epidemic of depression and anxiety in child and adolescent population…”“Anxiety and depression increase among U.S. youth…” All of these headlines have appeared in high-authority public health sites over the past few years. And for good reason, […]

The Need for Effective Youth Screening Tools Are you sure? That’s the question that teen artist, Carmen Pangilinan, wants to impress upon professionals who work with youth. Carmen shared her inspiration for her award winning artwork “Doctors are shown a very limited view of their patients, and when it’s a teen patient, it’s even more […]

For most teens, technology isn’t just a tool. It’s central to their social and educational lives. Ninety-five percent of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% report being online almost constantly. The ubiquity of technology and social media use means that both play a huge role in shaping youth identity, relationships, and learning experiences. […]

When an 8-year-old boy is overwhelmed by mounting pressure from teachers and parents to pass his 3rd grade reading assessment, he might have trouble sleeping or complain about stomachaches. He may be more irritable at home and talk back more. Or, maybe his parents will be troubled by a full-out tantrum after [yet another] tutoring […]

“We’re happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way.”  Taylor Swift got it right in this song, 22, from her fourth studio album, Red. And she keeps getting it right over and over. ‘It’ being the misery and magic of youth dating relationships and friendships of course. (See what we did there?). Swift’s discography […]

Everyone is talking about anxious teens.  Anxiety in children and teens is the topic of podcasts, books, radio segments, literature reviews, LinkedIn posts… it’s everywhere. And for good reason, too. Anxiety in youth is a mounting concern that impacts every community and nearly all families. For parents who are watching their teens struggle now, this […]

It starts by staying a little later at work to finish documentation because the session for your last client ran over by 10 minutes. She was opening up about her mother’s incarceration for the first time and you didn’t want to end the conversation too soon. It continues when your supervisor asks you to take […]

Get back to the basics by building trust and strengthening relationships through open communication, supportive boundaries, and factual information Parents of teens have their work cut out for them.  Between navigating the complexities of technology and social media to safeguarding against substance use and mental health concerns– it’s fair to say there’s no roadmap that […]

A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals A 9th grade girl has been referred to the student support team out of concern for a change in affect and appearance. Her homeroom teacher says she has lost a noticeable and concerning amount of weight over the last few months, and lately has been spending most lunch periods in […]

Enhancing Client Outcomes with Data Analytics  In the evolving landscape of youth health, the importance of a comprehensive technology system with a user friendly robust data and analytics suite cannot be overstated. Health technology is the cornerstone of modern healthcare, enabling professionals to deliver more precise, personalized care to youth.  In this article, we walk […]

Dear Youth Health Professionals –  As we approach the end of another transformative year, we are filled with gratitude and optimism. We are grateful for the compassion and determination of youth health professionals around the globe, and we are optimistic about the future in light of innovative health technology and our shared mission to identify […]

Take a moment to review the youth substance use data below. These percentages highlight a few key findings from the most recent Monitoring the Future report. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 students in 8th, 10th and 12th grades are surveyed. The data shown in the table below describes the prevalence of youth substance […]

Imagine getting both of your teens to agree to join you and your partner for a family night out this weekend. You promise ice cream and something that’s “not lame” in exchange for their presence and good attitudes.  When Saturday evening arrives, you all head out for BBQ and a movie in the park. (That’s […]

This story was shared with permission from a member of the Possibilities for Change team.  Last month, my friend Jean invited me to her home for dinner. We had curry chicken and rice, roasted brussels sprouts, and homemade cookies for dessert. Jean is enjoying the slower pace and quieter days of retirement after decades of […]

It’s been nearly a year since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the hallmark Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. Last June, the landscape of pregnancy care and reproductive health in America changed significantly.  In honor of National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, we’re revisiting the topic of youth sexual health with […]

In recent years, society has lightened the stigma around mental health. Do you agree?  Thanks to policy initiatives, marketing campaigns, and celebrity disclosures about their own battles, public perception of mental health is changing. Words like resilience, boundaries, grief, self-care, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed are becoming part of our vernacular.  That last phrase – trauma-informed – […]

Note: this article is Part II of a series on ‘at-risk youth.’ Read Part I to learn what we mean when we say ‘at-risk youth’ and how to differentiate between risk factors and risk behaviors. Part I also covers the interrelated nature of risks, adverse outcomes associated with increased risk factors and risk behaviors. In […]

It’s 4:18pm and you’re driving home from work. When you notice the time on the dashboard, you feel overwhelmingly tired, and also thankful. As a school nurse, the end of your work day is hours before that of your colleagues who work in inpatient settings. So, you are thankful for your set hours, 7:30am – […]

The holidays are here! For many of us, this is an opportunity to take a break from our usual rhythms of school and work to spend quality time with our loved ones and consider what matters most. Music and merriment, food and festivities – it’s lovely, but it’s also a lot.  A lot of planning, […]

Professionally or personally, most of us know at least one person who has walked the haunted path of addiction.  Substance abuse and addiction is a painful, disorienting, and overwhelming problem for both the person who uses and their family and friends.  Misusing substances like alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs has the potential to […]

With homecoming parades and midterm exams in the rearview mirror, teachers and students alike are confident of one thing: the honeymoon period of the new school year is over.  For anyone struggling to recall just what it’s like at the start of a new year, kindly walk back to your own fresh starts… The excitement […]

I’ve been working with that young lady all year. And she answered positively for suicidal ideation, and she had a plan. And I just asked her. I said, “Why didn’t you ever say anything to me?” And the young girl said, “Because you never asked me.”  Can you imagine? … Can you imagine working with a struggling youth […]

What immediately comes to mind when you think about June 24, 2022? On this date, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and as a result, the landscape of pregnancy care and reproductive health in America changed in a really big and serious way. Healthcare professionals across settings and states are now grappling with […]

Imagine –  It’s the second week of school and a 14-year-old walks into your office at her appointed time. She seems especially nervous today as she shuffles her feet and looks at the ground. You wonder if she’s about to cry, or maybe run back out and get back to math class. You’ve been working […]

School-wide risk screening can present unique challenges. But it also offers a unique opportunity to get answers to the most important questions a school can ask. Some of the benefits of school-wide screening – such as the opportunity to identify and intervene with at-risk youth in need – are obvious.  School-wide screening also increases coordinated […]

When it comes to identifying and preventing risk factors in youth – a few basic rules apply: You have to ASK HOW you ask matters. TECHnology makes it easier. (And more effective) The first might seem obvious – but it’s still often overlooked. In order to identify risk you’ve got to ask. And it can’t […]

Unprotected sex and sexual behaviors remain at the top of youth health risks. Yet connecting with youth in risk-reduction conversations is as challenging as ever. Technology can help to bridge this gap – engaging youth and opening the door to meaningful dialogue. It’s no surprise that youth are more honest with technology-based risk screenings, but […]

Working on a DEI, TIC, or SEL youth initiative? It’s time for a MITEY change in professional development! Motivational Interviewing or “MI” (a combination of communication strategies designed to support self-directed positive behavior change) has been studied extensively and proven to be one of the most effective techniques for communicating with youth.  But much more […]

We’ve all seen the stats. And they are increasingly alarming. According to a recent JAMA study: major depressive disorder in teens has nearly doubled in the past decade. A situation made so much worse by the pandemic, that the surgeon general just issued a rare public advisory on the “devastating” mental health effects young people […]

Equipping parents for real talks with their tweens & teens October is Let’s Talk Month, encompassing national and statewide initiatives supporting partnerships between families and organizations that serve them to foster open and honest parent-teen conversations. Research shows that parents—the biggest influencers on teen’s decisions—are not talking often or openly about the risks that matter […]

Across the nation students are back-to-school… in person, virtually and every combination in between! Now that we’ve survived the busy, chaotic first few weeks of “The Return” – what’s next? Now is the time to ensure that each valuable interaction you have helps to: Identify youth that are struggling with mental health – whether it’s […]

Sure, technology is smart – but can it also be emotionally intelligent? Why are youth willing to share everything on Instagram and SnapChat, or even post videos and Tik-Toks that might be as personal as sexual activity, yet they won’t give truthful answers to doctors, nurses, and educators when asked?  A youth’s willingness to share […]

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a well-established communication and coaching method for effectively engaging adults and youth in risk reduction and behavior change discussions.  Many times young adults are overlooked in MI discussions, yet MI strategies are a perfect fit for the unique needs of college students.  College students are faced with daily uncertainty across a […]

As vaccination rates increase so do the interactions between teens…along with an increase in sexual health risks! We know it’s never easy to engage teens in conversations about sex. And that might be one of the reasons sexual health screening and counseling isn’t provided to 1/3 of youth seeking healthcare services. But it remains a […]

2021 has public health in the spotlight more than ever. With this year’s National Public Health Week theme of “Advancing Racial Equity,” we wanted to discuss the profound effects discrimination can have on youth. One in five youth will have a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life, and half of all […]

One year ago, COVID-19 shut down most of the world and brought public health to center stage. And even now as we start to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel, we’re only now beginning to see the full physical, mental, and social effects of the pandemic.  For organizations supporting youth, the hardest […]

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but teens’ love of vaping is still going strong. According to the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 38.9% of current high school e-cigarette users use e-cigarettes on 20 days or more per month, up from 34.2% in 2019. While the dangers of vaping are nothing new, the ongoing […]

Falling asleep on hour long webinars? Video calls becoming a routine exercise in multitasking? Take a quick break with us instead! Just in time for the New Year, we’re excited to offer new 20-minute Brief Opportunity Of Supportive Training (BOOST) speed sessions designed to give you a quick knowledge BOOST, without the side of webinar burnout. Join […]

The holidays look a bit different this year. In the absence of travelling to see loved ones, we’ve been gifted the opportunity to rediscover the importance of family, to intentionally focus on our households. As lovely as this may be for many, isolation does not come without its trials and tribulations. This is especially true […]

With COVID-19 cases once again on the rise, health engagement with youth is changing. Dealing with risk factors that can derail students’ health and educational success, like unprotected sex and substance use, is leading health professionals to look for innovative ways to continue providing services from a distance. And for many, those innovations may be […]

Nearly 36% of adults in the U.S. have low health literacy. Individuals with low health literacy experience greater health care use and costs compared to those with proficient health literacy. One of the most effective ways we can help improve the health literacy in our communities is to start with our youth. October is Health […]

Nearly half of all youth who commit suicide visited a health care provider during the month prior. How can we help ensure we are asking the right questions in the right way? Encouragingly, 89% more youth disclose thoughts of self-harm when completing risk screening via a technology platform with embedded digital empathy. In support of […]

The new school year is fast approaching and figuring out how to best meet the needs of students, staff and your community, while adhering to state and national guidelines, may feel challenging. One common recommendation: screening can help ensure students and families have the support they need. Mental health screening has specifically been highlighted as an […]

Parent-teen relationships can be challenging – even more so during a pandemic. Whether schools in your community are going back in person or virtually this fall, parents need support. One of the best ways you can support parents is by giving them tools to communicate with their teens. Positive parent-teen communication builds strong relationships during […]

For as much time as professionals spend screening and addressing risk factors in youth, the same is not always given to identifying youth protective factors, with one of the most important being identifying a trusted adult. These two factors—risk and protective—play major roles in the health and wellbeing of youth. By using a screening tool […]

Talking with youth about topics like racism and discrimination can be difficult, especially when we as adults are still working on our own knowledge and understanding. But these conversations are critical. Part of being a medical professional is being an ally to youth, and that means understanding the social determinants of health that are impacting […]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With routines upended around the world, everyone’s mental health could use some extra care right now, especially that of our youth. One in five youth will have a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life, and half of all mental health problems begin by age 14. […]

As Americans continue to focus on health and safety in light of COVID-19, adolescent health needs a spotlight. While the virus does not seem to be impacting the world’s teens nearly as much, the concurrent vaping epidemic could be putting many at higher risk. “People with underlying health issues, such as heart or lung problems, […]

Today marks the start of National Public Health Week (#NPHW) in the US (April 6-12). In the wake of the current health crisis with COVID-19, public health is even more in the spotlight. Professionals are working tirelessly to care for their communities, but that care extends far beyond the hospital. As we look ahead to […]

A common theme among teens (not dealing with a crisis) is the intense levels of stress in their daily lives. It may be surprising to think that teens often experience higher levels of stress than adults, but a study of more than 1,000 teens revealed an average stress score of 5.8 on a 10-point scale—with […]

Through TV, social media and their peers, teens are exposed every day to risks like substance use, sex, violence and more. Data shows that children as young as 11 years old are engaging in risky behaviors, often without an adult ever knowing. Asking about these behaviors through routine risk screening is key to prevention. In […]

The thought of discussing serious topics, like mental health, substance use, or sex with pediatric patients can make anyone start to sweat. If you agree, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Comprehensive risk screening can feel overwhelming, even scary. But it’s time to face your fears! Read more on Op-Med

Nearly half of all youth who commit suicide visited a healthcare provider within the previous month. Mental health risks (depression, anger management, being bullied, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm) now rank higher than drug, alcohol and tobacco use among youth. With more than 8000 completed RAAPS screenings, Triangle Pediatrics, a National Committee for Quality […]

“It was an evil that I hadn’t faced before,” said Dr. Hassan Nemeh, the surgical director of Thoracic Organ Transplant at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In coverage by The Detroit News, after Dr. Nemeh transplanted two lungs into a teenage boy who was going to die from vaping, he added that the inflammation and […]

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying can impact a youth’s education, physical and emotional health, and their safety and well-being. Annual RAAPS* data consistently identifies bullying in the top youth risks—and of those reporting being bullied in the last year, 67% also flagged positively for depression (2 out of 3 youth being bullied) and […]

Summer is winding down and youth will soon be stepping into another school year of new experiences, personal and academic growth, new friends, new classes—and a whole new slew of challenges. Whether you interact with youth in a school setting, a community-based organization or as a clinician, chances are you can offer much-needed support for […]

Whether you’re in a SBHC, primary care office, or other youth serving organization, you know the importance of data and reporting but… Did You Know: Tracking risky behaviors at the population level is the most direct and valuable way to support youth. The thousands of professionals that have integrated RAAPS into their workflow have found […]

You know the scenario: you administered the Rapid Adolescent Prevention Screening (RAAPS) risk assessment and are ready to meet with youth to confidently discuss their identified risks. But how do you start the conversation? And once it’s started, how do you help guide them towards healthier behaviors? Coaching youth toward behavior change is arguably just […]

Connecting with teens is tough, especially when you’re a professional looking to discuss serious topics like mental health, substance abuse or sex. In short: risk screening can feel overwhelming, even scary—but that shouldn’t hold you back. According to the CDC, risk behaviors are responsible for 3 out of 4 (75%) preventable deaths and illness in […]

Valentine’s Day is nearly here and that means love is in the air. For many teens, that may mean more than just candy adorned cards. Fast fact: 30% of 12-14-year-olds have had sex with 4 or more people—that number climbs to 48% for 15-17-year-olds and 59% for 18 and over. Sexual health has always been […]

Here at Possibilities for Change, we believe all organizations serving adolescents and young adults should have access to the tools they need to provide quality care and affect positive change. When you implement youth risk screening practices with RAAPS, you’re doing so much more than simply administering an assessment; you’re opening the door to endless […]

Test your Teen Speak skills.  Which of the following are true statements? Teens don’t like being told what to do. Teens don’t learn from our experiences. Sometimes teens resist our advice just to be resistant! All of the above. Yes, it’s obviously “D”.  But why? The answer is not because teens choose to be difficult.  […]

Most professionals who work with youth try to approach each interaction with an open mind.  Research shows this is an important step to making youth feel comfortable.  What else goes into creating a safe place for youth to share?  Some of the steps are obvious – but we think a few may surprise you!  Here […]

We are long past the days when “Do It Yourself” or “DIY” described college students creating projects on a dime.  These days DIY is mainstream.  On a whole, the DIY philosophy is laudable.  It represents problem solving, independence, thrift, and creativity.   However, there are times when DIY should be “DDIY” (Don’t Do It Yourself!) Adolescent […]

A rise in suicide rates among youth, widespread incidence of sexual abuse on college campuses, and an increase in risk-related driving fatalities…what do these have in common?  They all made recent headlines on the evening news in a single day!* The relentless daily onslaught of risk related headlines can be overwhelming even paralyzing. It can […]

We help providers, professionals, and parents, identify and reduce risk behaviors among youth and young adults. So you might imagine that in our line of work that we’ve “heard it all.” And yes, we’ve heard a lot, but it’s not the stories and information that young people share that shocks us. It’s what we hear […]

The last year and a half has been very eventful here at P4C – we launched RAAPS 2.0 with a complete platform upgrade…  AND we released our first new product since our company was founded: the Adolescent Counseling Technology or “ACT” for Sexual Health (and our release of ACT for Tobacco is just around the […]

How boot-camp took us back to the future. Our team recently went through a strategic planning “boot-camp” as part of a grant requirement.  A mandatory part of the exercise was justifying our value…what do we bring to the table, how do we help? This was definitely a test.   Our short answers, in rapid succession: “Because […]

RAAPS versus GAPS and other homegrown risk screening tools People pose the “why?” question every day. Why should I invest the time, energy and resources into an adolescent risk screening and counseling technology? We may be biased, but our answer is simple: why not? Before we dive into the several reasons why thousands of sites […]

Global investments in adolescent health harvests significant economic gains Recently headlines broke across all consumer and health media outlets that signified the importance of investing in teen health from a global financial perspective. Like any other professional who is in the landscape of improving adolescent health, this kind of global attention and correlation between teen […]

It’s a statistic you’re probably familiar with: 3 out of 4 adolescent deaths in the US today are due to identifiable and preventable risk behaviors. Common risk behaviors that include suicide, substance use, unsafe sexual behaviors and unintentional injuries and violence. When it comes to keeping our teens safe, the phrase “it takes two to […]

Today’s adolescents are engaging in risky sexual behaviors at earlier ages than ever before, resulting in nearly 250,000 teen births in 2014 and nearly 10 million new sexually transmitted infections annually. Sexually transmitted infections are a significant public health problem in the United States and of particular concern in the adolescent and young adult population. […]

According to a JAMA Pediatrics study, that’s how long the average conversation lasted when teens were asked about sexual health during their last annual health maintenance exam. Even more disappointing, the topic was not discussed with 1 out of 3 teens. I could continue on with more data that supports the adverse reality, but I […]

Health and wellness professionals are in constant pursuit of quality improvement. And we’re here to support your efforts.  Possibilities for Change – the parent company for RAAPS – is implementing several new improvements to help make the identification and reduction of risk behaviors even easier and more effective: Coming Soon:  RAAPS 2.0 – A new […]

If you are applying for OAH Tier 1A and/or 1B Grant Funding, partner with Possibilities for Change to enhance your proposal.  We will work with you to provide an online platform to assess your target population for risky behaviors, support risk reduction counseling efforts, track your referrals and performance, and showcase your outcomes! Possibilities for […]

As we give thanks and prepare to celebrate the new year – we wanted to take a moment to appreciate you and the lives you’ve changed.  Together in the last year alone, RAAPS was used by SBHCs, University Health Centers, pediatricians and healthcare providers across the globe to: – Screen nearly 30,000 adolescents and young […]

The national focus on sexual misconduct and Title IX requirements are putting a heavy burden on university health centers and institution leaders.  And while implementation of new campus-wide policies, education campaigns, and “climate surveys” help to raise awareness a macro level – intervention at the individual level is a critical element for successfully addressing this […]

A recent study revealed as many as 46% of young adults who enter a U.S. college will fail to graduate within six years due in part to their health risks: – Depression and Anxiety – Dating Violence – Binge Drinking – Unprotected Sex College health centers face a unique challenge – caring for the physical […]

Did you know that between 2010-2012, approximately $84 million in federal funds was awarded to support projects investigating patient-centered medical home (PCMH) but <1% of that money went to projects targeted for improvement of care for adolescents? Nationally, little attention has been given to address how the primary care patient-centered medical home model could be […]

While risk statistics provide invaluable insight into population behavior – all of us are dedicated to making a difference one individual at a time. And School Based and Linked Health Centers (SBLHCs) in the State of Michigan are making that difference – and then some. Michigan SBLHCs were able to improve on already positively trending […]

Data from over 39,000 risk assessments completed by adolescents from 2011 through 2013 reveal startling new trends in teen risk behaviors and surprising changes – both positive and negative. Please download the latest RAAPS infographic:  Teen Risks: For Better or Worse  and READ, SHARE, & ACT on this critical insight into teen behaviors – and […]

You probably know that RAAPS has been validated as a screening tool to identify the behaviors that contribute most to illness and death in adolescents.  The effectiveness of the RAAPS survey in identifying depression was further validated in the November issue of Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing.  View the abstract. Depression is both […]

Adolescence brings an increase in sexual experimentation, which can have adverse consequences.  Research has shown that a large proportion of young people are not concerned about becoming infected with HIV.  This lack of awareness can translate into not taking measures that could protect their health. In celebration of World AIDS Day, taking place on December […]

We’re glad for any opportunity to direct the spotlight on this often hidden issue. And we often hear from clinicians that the identification of bullying is one of the most appreciated features of RAAPS – as most adolescents who screen positive for bullying actually come in with a completely unrelated issue or symptom. Data from […]

How RAAPS Data is Transforming Care for Underserved Adolescents RAAPS technology allows care providers to track improvements in an individual over time or to identify risk trends in their population.  Here is just one example of RAAPS data the State of Michigan used to identify unique  gaps-in-care by payor status. Subsequently, this data can be […]

We hope you are still enjoying barbeques, the beach, and basking in the sun.  But, it is almost “that” time again…back-to-school! The beginning of the school year – with the rush of sports physicals and last minute vaccinations – is the perfect time to implement RAAPS and effectively screen teens for their risky behaviors. RAAPS […]

Did you know that more teens take their first drink of alcohol in June and July than any other months?  With the summer months upon us, we find it important to take a close look into adolescent alcohol use and how to talk to teens about options for being safe when found in a situation […]

The new report from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics noted the teen birth rate declined 25 percent between 2007-2011—a record low. Teen birth rates fell at least 15 percent for all but two states during this most recent period of sustained decline.  There are many curriculums and programs aimed to reduce teen pregnancy; however, […]