|
The Screening, Testing, Education, and Prevention in Urban Partnership (STEP-UP) Program is a 5-year grant-funded project by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Under GA’s Health and Wellness Pillar of Service, STEP-UP's purpose is to educate youth (ages 13-24) in Miami-Dade County on healthy living strategies to reduce the risk of substance abuse and HIV transmission.
The program educates individuals on the correlation between substance use and risky sexual behavior. GA offers outreach, and prevention services through partnerships within the community (schools, medical centers, community organizations, and parks. We strategically target those most at risk to disseminate information, link youth to services, and provide free HIV/STI testing.
To date, our Community Health Workers have engaged over 1,000 individuals by conducting environmental strategies within local communities. STEP-UP utilizes evidence-based programs and practices to deliver sessions in an out-of-school/retreat-style setting to encourage youth to make healthy and informed choices.
GA is hosting our next, free 2-day "Hip Hop to Prevent" Retreat during Spring Break for middle and high school teens. Here, they will discuss elements of hip hop culture to address substance use and risky behaviors.
| 
