Ohio Adolescent Health Centers is committed to advancing the well-being of youth through comprehensive, prevention-focused education. Our programs are designed to address a wide range of risk behaviors, including substance use, violence, and unhealthy relationships—while promoting positive development and healthy decision-making. We take a holistic approach that recognizes the connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term life outcomes, ensuring students are supported in every aspect of their growth.
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. OAHC partners with schools, community organizations, and trusted leaders to deliver impactful programming that meets state and federal requirements. These collaborative partnerships strengthen our ability to reach students, support families, and create lasting change in communities. Together, we are building a network of support that empowers young people to thrive and achieve their full potential.
1.) Responsible Social Values Program: 5-day evidence based prevention education curriculum to teach middle school students character based healthy decision making and risk avoidance.
2.) C.A.T.S. (Concerned About Teen Success): peer led prevention education focusing on positive youth development for C.A.T.S. members who educate their peers in high school to avoid risks, keep healthy decisions and develop positive relationships.
3.) C.A.T.C.H. (Concerned About Teens Can Help): peer led prevention support is designed to provide one on one help for youth who are struggling to reach the appropriate adult at school and get direction and support. AHY is licensed by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (ODBH) to provide Prevention Behavioral Health Services.
When talking to teens, it becomes evident that most of them desire the same things in life: success, respect, health, wealth and meaningful relationships. However, where many of them differ is in their perception of how to obtain the success they desire. The responsible social values of delayed gratification, mutual respect, integrity, work ethic, perseverance, and self-control that used to be seen as the “common sense” traits necessary to achieve these goals, are no longer portrayed as such by popular culture. While it is great to encourage students to set goals, it is just as important in today’s society to teach them that they cannot simply choose their futures- they can only choose the HABITS that form them. This is why character is not merely assumed, but taught and modeled in every Common Sense Culture class.
We all desire to be connected and have healthy relationships. Healthy connections play a part in the success of so many areas in our lives. Learning about dating, intimacy, sexual integrity and effective communication helps teenagers develop the building blocks necessary to have great relationships and successful futures.
In addition, OK, Inc. has pioneered a social media campaign known as the Friends4Friends Campaign. Today’s youth are the first generation raised on technology. They are tech-dependent, tech-savvy, and tech-social OK, Inc. recognizes that to influence this generation, traditional modes of teaching must be enhanced to meet them where they are—online. The Friends4Friends Campaign is designed to provide meaningful and authentic youth engagement—giving youth a voice in their schools, communities, and ultimately worldwide. OK, Inc. has created over 70 short films that are available on OK, Inc.’s YouTube channel.
That’s what the Stand Up for Youth program is all about! We’re here to provide students with medically accurate and essential information, helping them build healthy relationships and make smart choices that align with their goals.
What makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy?
How can students handle peer pressure and bullying?
How does the impact of media influence their lives?
We’re here to explore all these questions and more, using a holistic, whole-person approach to health.
We serve middle school and high school students, and we’ve got a special curriculum for our fifth-grade friends too—focusing on creating safe and healthy friendships.
We’re not just about students, though. We’re also here to partner with teachers and help parents navigate some of these important topics. We believe parents are the experts on their children, and our goal is to encourage more healthy conversation.
Our educators are committed to equipping students with tools to make the healthiest choices. They are trained by nationally recognized professionals in effective communication, sexual risk avoidance, and positive youth development—and they’re passionate about teaching all youth that optimal health equals freedom.