NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH
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Young people across Algoma will soon be part of a community-wide prevention program designed to improve health outcomes for youth. Algoma Public Health (APH) and local partners have officially launched Planet Youth Algoma, a five-year project based on the internationally recognized Icelandic Prevention Model
Planet Youth is a community-based approach that focuses on the environments where young people live, learn and grow. Rather than placing responsibility on youth alone, the model brings families, schools, municipalities, community organizations, and other youth-serving partners together to create conditions that help young people thrive
Over the coming months, Planet Youth Algoma will focus on building community awareness, collecting and analyzing local data, and developing action plans tailored to the strengths and needs of communities across the Algoma district. Grade 10 students will be invited to participate in surveys that help identify local risk and protective factors related to youth wellbeing and substance use
The information gathered through Planet Youth Algoma will help communities better understand the experiences of local youth and guide evidence-informed action in areas such as recreation, family and peer connection, school engagement and community supports
The signing of the Planet Youth contract formalizes Algoma’s participation in the Planet Youth Guidance Program and marks a major milestone for an Algoma-wide coalition working together to improve youth health and wellbeing
Additional information is available on the Algoma Public Health and Planet Youth websites
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