North Carolina Student Community Health Alliance (NCSCHA)

North Carolina Teen Health Alliance

NCSCHA, with generous support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, established the North Carolina Teen Health Alliance (NCTHA), an active youth council that is comprised of young people from across the state who support school health centers. NCTHA utilizes the Youth Empowerment Model to teach its members how to become effective advocates for accessible and affordable health care in school-based and school-linked health care centers. As part of their activities, these youth leaders teach other young people in their communities how to become effective advocates. Individually and in groups, these youth find creative opportunities to request the support of community organizations and elected officials for school health centers while educating on the value and importance of their own local centers and adolescent health issues.

The Youth Empowerment Model is built around three components: Skill Development, Critical Awareness, and Opportunities. Using this model, the NCTHA has come together to represent North Carolina in the drive for accessible, affordable health care in school-based and school-linked health centers. The 2009-2010 inaugural class of NCTHA was comprised of teen representatives from 10 communities across North Carolina, some with school health centers, some without. The NCTHA through its support of school health centers promotes and advocates for positive changes in teen health and achievement.

To support the efforts of these talented young people and follow their progress, please join their FaceBook group.