School Age and Adolescent Health Initiative (SAAHI)

The SAAHI team works to improve adolescent and young adult (AYA) health care throughout Vermont.  In its earlier years, known as the Youth Health Improvement Initiative (YHII), the initiative focused on increasing the skills and confidence of providers (pediatricians, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, office staff) in providing comprehensive preventive health visits for AYA, including screening for risks, and assessing strengths. Currently, our efforts are focused on cultivating the VT RAYS (Youth Health Advisory Council) in order to create interest and value in high quality preventive health services among youth and elevate the voice of Vermont’s youth through increased youth engagement and youth empowerment.  Additionally, the SAAHI team supports quality improvement efforts around: a) addressing youth nicotine use (vaping); b) VDH’s injury prevention priorities; and c) strengthening collaboration among schools and medical homes. 

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Goals &
Achievements
  • Since 2001, the SAAHI (formerly YHII) has worked with over 70 Vermont pediatric and family medicine providers to improve health outcomes for AYA through coaching providers to improve the consistency and quality of preventive health services for AYA. 
  • The SAAHI (formerly YHII) project was recognized as a “Promising Practice” on Association of Maternal & Child Health Program (AMCHP) Innovation Station website  .
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Highlights
  • Curated a toolkit for primary care practices to address youth vaping.
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Initiatives
Vermont RAYS
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Resources
  • Adolescent and Young Adult Toolkit is full of information regarding the health of adolescents and young adults, including direct web links, posters, brochures, a practice specific editable form, research articles and more. Take a peek at each section and take advantage of the resources at your disposal.
  • VT RAYS Logo
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Project Team

Rebecca Bell, Faculty

LE Faricy, Faculty

Christy Fay, Project Coordinator (Youth Non-Vaping)

Christine (Christy) Gallese, Project Director

Bernice Garnett, Faculty

Erica Gibson, Faculty

Heidi Schumacher, Faculty

Angela Zinno, Project Coordinator

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