Friday, April 26, 2024
4/26/2024
Campesinos Sin Fronteras (Farmworkers without Borders) proposes to implement the THRIVE! Initiative in San Luís, Arizona along the U.S.-México border. The purpose of the THRIVE! Initiative is to utilize a systems thinking approach that leverages partnerships, incorporates youth and community voice, and replicates evidence-based practices in order to promote optimal health among San Luís youth. The City of San Luís was selected as the target community because of great social and health inequities. The international border fence separates San Luís, Arizona from its much larger sister city in Mexico, but crossborder exchange influences every aspect of border community life, including youth health and development. Surrounded by agricultural fields, San Luís is 92% Hispanic/Latino. Nearly one third (27%) of residents live below the federal poverty level and 37% of children live in poverty. More than one third (34%) of adults have less than a ninth grade education and limited English proficiency is a challenge. San Luís has the highest pregnancy rates in Yuma County, which already has the second highest teenage pregnancy rate in Arizona. The pregnancy rate for San Luís females 15-17 years of age is 18.5 births/1,000 females, nearly double the Arizona rate for this age group (10.8). The pregnancy rate for San Luís females 15-19 years of age is 35.7, compared to 25.1 for Arizona and 17.4 for the United States. The Initiative will be fulfilled through three goals and eight objectives that include replication of two evidence based programs: The Teenage Outreach Program (TOP) with youth and Familias Unidas (United Families) with parents/caregivers and their adolescents. Multiple support services for youth--such as community service learning, a leadership institute that trains peer educators and use of social media--will complement these programs. As a grassroots, bicultural and bilingual nonprofit organization, CSF is up to the challenge of reducing risky sexual behaviors, pregnancy and STIs among San Luís teens. CSF has served this community for 21 years, providing pregnancy prevention and other youth services throughout that time. It has the experience to design and deliver services to and with youth in a systems thinking way. The Memoranda of Agreement and Letters of Commitment signed by community partners demonstrate CSF’s credibility to attract the necessary partners to work across sectors. The new multisector Adolescent Wellness Network will serve as an advisory group so that the THRIVE! Initiative evolves and is sustained to promote optimal health and wellness among San Luís, Arizona teens.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
