Adolescence is the period of life from ages 10 to 24 when individuals develop from childhood to adulthood. Adolescence is characterized by marked physical, emotional and intellectual changes, as well as changes in social roles, relationships and expectations that shape a healthy adult.
Making a Difference in the Health of Adolescents
The role of environment in improving the health and well-being of adolescents has become increasingly important in our society. The critical environmental influences that make a difference in adolescent health include:
- Parents and Families
- Peers
- Schools
- Communities
The Adolescent Health Services Program maintains a comprehensive and holistic view of adolescents' health and well-being, from pre-adolescence to young adulthood. The Program looks at the overlap between behaviors, their underlying common causes, and successful interventions.
In these pages you will find specific resources addressed not only to adolescents, but to the individuals and groups in their environment that make a difference in their health and development.
Services Available
The Adolescent Health Program works with service providers and community partners to provide the following public services:
- Comprehensive Health Screenings
- Oral Health Screenings and Referrals
- Reproductive Health
- Nutritional Assessment and Counseling
- Sexuality Education
- Tobacco Prevention
- Social Services
- Mental Health Referrals
- Immunizations
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Education and HIV Awareness
- Domestic Violence and Rape Prevention, Crisis Intervention
- Services for adolescents with special health care needs
- Health Promotion and Preventive Health
Teen Pregnancy
MSDH is working to reduce the number of teen pregnancies and the impact of teen births on the health of mothers and children.
Resources for Parents and Teens
Organizations, fact sheets and web sites with information and tools for better adolescent health.
- Family Planning Services
- Resources for Parents
- Resources for Teens and Young Adults
- View more resources
About the program
The mission of the Adolescent Health Services program is to protect and promote the health and well-being of pre-adolescents, adolescents and young adults in the state of Mississippi.
601‑576‑7467
Mississippi State Department of Health
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216-4538
For more information about Maternal and Child Health Programs and the MCH Block Grant, call 1-800-721-7222.
For more information about our services, please contact your nearest county health department or call 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-453-4948) or (601) 576-7464.
