Wednesday, January 22, 2025
1/22/2025
Hennepin County, anchored by Minneapolis, is home to some of the most egregious racial and class inequalities in the nation. While Minnesota consistently ranks as having the best overall health and quality of life, the reality is that young people of color, from low-income families, or who are involved with the justice system are excluded from that Minnesota. To decrease these disparities, particularly related to sexual health and wellbeing, Hennepin County Public Health’s Better Together Hennepin: Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Project (HCHYP) will expand on its award-winning, innovative Health Mentor Model so Hennepin County young people with the greatest needs will receive the support and encouragement they deserve. For the last three years, Hennepin County Public Health has leveraged OPA funding to place Health Mentors in local high schools where they offer one-to-one, group, and classroom sessions so every young person receives education and support in a manner that works for them. With 93% of previous participants reporting that the program made them better prepared to make decisions about their health, HCHYP is requesting another round of funding to significantly expand this proven program. This grant will allow this multi-faceted approach to serve more than 5,750 young people by placing Health Mentors in 12 high schools, 11 adolescent-friendly clinics, and the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center. The schools and clinics serve communities and populations most negatively impacted by health inequalities. By engaging youth, families, and supportive adults in empowering and informative programming, HCHYP strives to see every young person enjoy the same future potential regardless of neighborhood, background, or circumstances.
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).