Adolescent Health

Objectives
The aim of this project is to provide accessible integrated youth focused services that target priority health issues impacting on the health of young people; in particular sexual health, mental health and family planning

Project
This is a collaborative venture between Te Tai Tokerau PHO, Northland Health, Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, Te Hauora o Te Hiku o Te Ika, Ngati Kahu and the education sector in the far North, and Te Tai Tokerau PHO, Ngati Hine Health Trust and Northland Health in the mid North. There are three school based health clinic sites now fully operational; in the far North from Taipa Area School and Kaitaia College and in the mid North clinic at North Rd Kawakawa, adjacent to Bay of Islands College. These clinics provide medical (once per week), nursing, sexual health, Public Health, counseling and social services. Young people are steadily and increasingly accessing these services and a wide range of health issues are being uncovered and managed.

The service has a commitment to a strong preventive approach, targeting mental health issues, nutritional issues, and sexual health.

The HEADSS tool is used in an initial comprehensive assessment of all clients seen at the service.  This is a useful tool relevant to adolescents and useful in identifying the wide range of health issues experienced by this age group.