Community_Health_Nursing

Community Health Abstract This paper explores a community health project in the Washoe County Health District that is specifically designed to help keep teenagers, ages 14-19, healthy and well educated on things from staying safe to birthing options. The Teen Health Mall, located in Washoe County, Nevada, provides healthy-confidential one-stop services for teen’s ages 14 – 19 years of age. The Teen Health Mall provides services such as: * Birth control counseling with most kinds of birth control available * Pregnancy testing and counseling * Sexually Transmitted Disease testing and counseling (with treatment as needed) * HIV testing and counseling * Testing and treatment of vaginal and bladder infections * Counseling on teen's health (referrals given when needed) Anything teenagers say about sex, drugs, and feelings is Confidential unless they give permission to share it. But, if they tell the nurses: * They are being abused (physically and/or sexually) * They are going to hurt yourself or someone else * They are 13 or under and having sex * They are under 16 and having sex with someone 18 years or older Then the Teen Health Mall will contact someone to help immediately. The cost of this program varies on your ability to pay. The will bill insurance companies as well as Medicaid. The will also put you on a monthly payment plan with costs being as low as $4 a month. There are male and female nurses available as well as Spanish speaking services. They can also help with related programs and other services such as: * Birth Control, STD testing and treatment services at Incline Village through the Children's Cabinet Clinic * Other services in the community that provide birth control, STD testing and educational services * Affordable primary care medical services: * Access to Healthcare Network * Women, Infants and Children program * Medical assistance programs and welfare eligibility * Teen pregnancy prevention & pregnant and parenting teen resources I personally feel that this is a great program for teenagers because it allows them to feel confident and comfortable accessing resources that are specifically catering to their health and wellness needs. They are able to ask questions, get exams, and find help for many situations that teens face. We have a place here in Indiana called Planned Parenthood but, it doesn’t only cater to teens. So by having a Teen Health Mall, the teens seem to feel better about a place where they can identify as their own. This community project has been successful for the Washoe County Health District for over a decade now. The community has seen an 80% reduction in teen pregnancies and a 50% reduction in reported STD’s. I think this community project has made a positive impact on this community as a whole. What Community Health Projects and Education mean to me: Participating in community activities not only provides an important community service, it also increases visibility for the nursing profession. Every connection we make with the community makes a lasting impression. The way we speak, our appearance, and the way we act conveys our individual nursing image. We all have a responsibility to enhance and foster a positive image of the profession. Conducting community health projects is a great way to show the public that we care enough about their health and well-being to do something about it. References http://www.washoecounty.us Public health states for Washoe County, Nevada Teen Health Mall