National Initiative to Improve Adolescent Health

The National Initiative to Improve Adolescent Health (NIIAH or the National Initiative) is a collaborative effort to improve the health, safety, and well-being of adolescents and young adults ages 10–24 years.

The National Initiative was launched and is led by two federal agencies:

Division of Adolescent and School Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Maternal and Child Health Bureau
Health Resources and Services Administration

In conjunction with these federal agencies, a group of partner organizations helps to sustain the National Initiative.

Goals of the National Initiative

Working as a collaborative, the National Initiative partners have identified the following goals to guide their work:

Elevate national, state, and community focus on and commitment to the health, safety, positive development, and well-being of adolescents, young adults, and their families
Increase access to quality health and safety education and health care, including comprehensive general health, oral health, mental health, and substance abuse prevention and treatment services
Address the influence of social determinants on health, safety, and well-being
Improve health and safety outcomes in such areas as mortality, unintentional injury, violence, oral and mental health, tobacco and substance use, reproductive health, nutrition and physical activity, and the prevention of adult chronic diseases
Eliminate disparities in health, safety, and well-being among adolescents and young adults

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Improving the Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities cover

Improving the Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities
Guide to help state and local agencies and organizations through public health processes that address important adolescent health and safety issues.