Empowering Teens at HealthPoint's School-Based Health Center 

While participating in the after-school cooking class, Beth learned that she could see a medical provider. During her first visit, the provider learned that Beth had multiple chronic medical conditions including asthma, hypertension, and obesity, she was a smoker, had been depressed for some time and was experiencing a high level of stress at home and in her relationships.

Beth and her provider created a plan that included enrollment in the Be Your Best text-messaging health promotion program. She was also connected with HealthPoint’s on-site Behavioral Health Consultant, who created a plan for intervention and follow-up of her depression and other concerns. Beth left the clinic equipped with tools to improve her overall health.

When Beth returned a week later, she was no longer smoking and was committed to staying tobacco-free. Though she still had stress in her life, Beth had been empowered by her discussion with the Behavioral Health Consultant to make choices that reduced her overall stress and anxiety. Her blood pressure had improved and she planned to follow up with her regular primary care provider.

Beth is motivated to continue working with the staff at Tyee to improve her physical and emotional health. She  plans to continue participating in the cooking class to learn about nutrition and healthy eating.