Adolescent Health Needs and Priorities

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Program protects and promotes the health of children and youth, mothers, and families. Funds provided by the Federal MCH Services Title V Block Grant Program allow Alabama to use dollars to assure continued improvement in the health, safety, and well-being of pregnant women, infants, children, adolescents, and their families, including women of reproductive age, fathers, and children and youth with special health care needs.

The 2025 Needs Assessment identified several priority topics that fall under the identified need of Adolescent Safety and Wellness. Bullying is one specific topic identified as a priority. Other risk factors and protective factors related to bullying were also identified as priority topics within this need. Bullying is a complex topic. Youth who bully, are bullied, and/or observe bullying are all impacted. As a result, multiple risk and protective factors should be addressed. Prevention activities should work to change social climates, help students feel connected, and should be integrated with related efforts.