HiTOPS Updates, Articles & More

HiTOPS awarded new grant

2011-02-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

In collaboration with the Princeton Center for Leadership Training and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, HiTOPS currently facilitates the Teen Council, a peer education and leadership program. Teen PEP also operates in 50 New Jersey public high schools and 4 North Carolina high schools.

Thanks to a $4.8 million grant from the national Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Adolescent Health), this program will be expanded to be implemented and evaluated in 16 New Jersey schools and 16 North Carolina schools in areas with high teen birth rates over the next five years.

The Teen Council has been a cornerstone program for HiTOPS for over 20 years. Each spring, out of a pool of 50-75 Princeton area applicants, representing high schools from all over the area, 20 high school seniors are selected to participate in our peer education and leadership program. Using an evidence-based curriculum, these youth develop skills in leadership, group facilitation, public speaking and adolescent health issues so that they can effectively communicate with and provide role models for their younger peers within their school communities as well as detained and incarcerated youth throughout New Jersey.

HiTOPS developed this program because it respects the adolescent’s ability to learn and make good decisions when given factual information in a non-judgmental way. This public health approach to positive youth development is key to envisioning a world in which youth have the resources they need to live healthy, responsible and empowered lives.

Upcoming Events - Race to Nowhere

2010-11-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

Join us on December 13 in the Riverside Elementary School All Purpose Room School. Elizabeth Casparian, PhD, HiTOPS Executive Director, will facilitate the continuing discussion of this topic. All are welcome to attend. Join the Facebook group THE RACE TO NOWHERE-PRINCETON for related news, events and articles of interest.

Parents of Teenagers—HiTOPS is here for you, too!

2010-11-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

Parenting teenagers is a challenging job and HiTOPS Parent Programs offer information, support and skills to help parents communicate more effectively with their adolescents. Our education staff is available to come to your business or organization, your child’s school, or your home to provide a program of your choice. Topics include but are not limited to:

Sexuality and the Young Adolescent
Talking with Your Child about Sex
Risk Proof: Raising Self-Esteem in Kids
Parenting Teens: Setting Limits, Communicating, Staying Sane
Raising Sons
Managing Media Influences: A Guide for Parents of Teens
Everybody Hates You: What to do about Cyberbullying
Bullying and Mean Behavior

To schedule a program contact:
Elizabeth Walters
Director of Educational Programs
609.683.5155 x218
elizabeth@hitops.org

HiTOPS Health Center Welcomes Kelli Hall

2010-11-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Kelli Stidham Hall, PhD, MSN, ANP-C joined HiTOPS in October 2010. Kelli, a Nurse Practitioner, came to the Princeton community this summer as a postdoctoral research fellow at Princeton University, where she is furthering her research in adolescent contraceptive behavior and outcomes.

She received her PhD from Columbia University and her Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Family Nursing from the University of Kentucky. Kelli has also served as a nurse educator, teaching Nurse Practitioner students both clinical and research content while at Columbia. As a clinician, Kelli has years of experience as a reproductive health and adolescent medicine nurse practitioner, working most recently in college health, family planning and gynecology practices in New York City. In addition to clinical expertise in contraceptive management, Kelli is specialized in treatment of eating disorders and interested in integrating mental health and primary care into family planning contexts.

Kelli believes HiTOPS public health approach to positive youth development designed by nurse practitioners is the perfect setting for her to deliver high quality, integrated and evidence-based health care to male and female adolescents and emerging adults.

To contact HiTOPS J.Seward Johnson, Sr. Center for Adolescent Health, please call 609.683.5155 x211.

Parenting Brief: Teens and Privacy

2010-11-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

Privacy seems like a basic concept and a simple human right, but parents often neglect to talk explicitly and intentionally with their kids about it. Simply by defining what privacy is and how that translates to respect and behavior, you will help to avoid humiliating stories, from mildly embarrassing within your own home to more serious breaches of respect on the internet.

Every human being needs a certain amount of privacy. There may be intimate details about each of us that we choose to share with our families, spouses, and closest friends. When we chose to do that, we become vulnerable to others while developing intimacy and trust. However, people have differing beliefs about what they will or will not share with others, and as a result, have varying needs for privacy. Nudity, sexual behavior, toileting and bathing, are the most commonly agreed upon private behaviors. People in the U.S. are also deeply private about other things, such as income, age, and political beliefs.

When it comes to the internet, especially social networking sites and other online formats, both adults and kids are at a loss as to what privacy really means. What does privacy mean if you can Google just about everyone? What does it mean to have our credit card numbers stored on a site? What about phones that can take photos and post them on Facebook almost instantly? What happens when our shopping histories are recorded by our local grocers every time we use our discount cards?

The first thing we need to do is understand what privacy is, why it is important to us, and to communicate that within our own homes so that our values about privacy are clear to everyone. Then we need to develop an understanding of how others define and value privacy, and to learn appropriate respect for those differences.

Define privacy. For example: Every adult has the right to be alone when doing things that they consider to be private behavior. Some behaviors that people consider to be private are things like changing clothes, using the toilet, bathing or sexual behavior. Some people and cultures also believe that other behaviors like grooming, kissing, arguing, or crying, are things that should only be done in private. Sometimes privacy also means that one does not have to talk about or answer questions about things that they consider to be private – some people believe that one’s weight, age or income for example, are private matters. In our family, we believe that….

Explain about closed doors. You might say, “A closed bathroom or bedroom door means that someone wants to be alone. You need to knock on a closed door, and wait to be given permission before entering.” Adults need to extend this same courtesy to children, unless they believe that the child is in physical danger. Modeling privacy from an early age is an important way to develop an understanding and appreciation that can help people avoid uncomfortable or humiliating situations in the future.

Invasion of privacy is serious. Peeking behind a closed door, whether through a hole in the door or via webcam or other technology is a complete invasion of privacy. No matter what the intent – from curiosity to outright bullying – having one’s private moments shared without consent can be embarrassing, humiliating or devastating. Making this clear at home is the first step to preventing situations in the future that might be truly harmful to others.

Discuss online privacy. Everyone needs to know that almost any words, photos or videos that are texted, emailed, blogged, or posted on a website are stored permanently and can be viewed by people who wish to see them. Something that a person posts, tweets or shares today will likely be available forever. Future employers, police, press or partners may be able to find this material at any point, and depending upon the material, there could be legal consequences. There is no way to control material once it takes an electronic form and is distributed. Anything that is done behind a closed door or a conversation that is limited between people should not be shared in any electronic format.

Look for next month’s article on Kindness!

For more information, contact: Elizabeth Casparian, PhD, ecasparian@hitops.org

Strategic Plan: 3 Years and 4 Initiatives

2010-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

On Monday November 8, HiTOPS Board of Trustees unanimously approved a three year strategic plan put forth by a committee of Board and staff. The exciting new plan is the result of the most comprehensive strategic planning and organizational assessment process in HiTOPS’ history.

Over the years HiTOPS has experienced considerable growth and earned recognition for its expertise with adolescents—truly being there for them, listening well and responding with relevant and needed programs and services. Founded on a deep respect for an adolescent’s ability to learn and make good decisions when given factual information, HiTOPS grew organically for 22 years to meet the growing demand for services. The leading question driving the planning effort was: how can HiTOPS financially sustain its unique approach to adolescent health and well-being? ”

HiTOPS envisions a world in which youth have the resources they need to live healthy, responsible and empowered lives.

Building on its programmatic strengths, HiTOPS outlined four initiatives to ensure excellence, demonstrate effectiveness, leverage partnerships, and strengthen capacity to achieve our vision and financial sustainability.

Distinguish Ourselves
Build Community
Sustain Impact
Achieve Greatness

The three-year plan is ambitious. Within each initiative are specific goals and objectives that will serve as a roadmap for Board and staff to grow HiTOPS from its current state to its desired state.

This next year is pivotal for HITOPS. Your support, or your extra support, at this time will help HiTOPS maintain program delivery while beginning the process of addressing the long-term goals. If you would like to sponsor an initiative click here and indicate on memo line of donation form, or contact: Catharine Vaucher, Director of Development and Marketing, cvaucher@hitops.org.

HiTOPS Trustees at a planning retreat in June (l-r): Art Ferrara, Nicole Martin, Jeffrey Kurtz, Ann McDonald, Sharon Perlman, Jim Levine, Anne Skalka, and Marc Kanoff. Not pictured: Jean Moses and Andrew Koontz.

Upcoming Events

2010-10-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

November 7 - Zumba® for HiTOPS
Join us on Sunday, November 7th from 10am-2pm at Princeton Senior Resource Center (45 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ) for a Zumba® workout for a great cause! All proceeds will benefit HiTOPS! Click the links for a flyer, a registration form, or a sponsorship form. For more information, call 609-683-5155 x233.

Now through November 20 - Cranbury Station Galleries
Holiday framing?? Cranbury Station Galleries - an art gallery and frame store located on Palmer Square in Princeton and, also, in Cranbury - is offering to donate 20% of proceeds of the purchase of art or framing to HiTOPS. Click here for a coupon to ensure that HiTOPS receives 20% of the proceeds of your purchase or pick one up at HiTOPS. HiTOPS thanks Kathleen Maguire Morolda and The Cranbury Station Galleries for this generous support!

November 20 - NJGSA Forum
Breaking Barriers, Celebrating Diversity
Join us to explore diversity in the LGBTQ community and the specific challenges to LGBTQ youth of color. Information and registration online at http://www.njgsaforum.com/ or call Corrine O'Hara at 609-683-5155 x 217.

Office of Adolescent Health Award

2010-10-27T12:39:00.001-07:00

Princeton Center for Leadership Training and HiTOPS Announce $4.8 Million Award for Innovative Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative in North Carolina
Five-year federal grant will replicate and evaluate a comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention and sexual health education program for high schools.

The Princeton Center for Leadership Training (PCLT), in collaboration with long-time partner HiTOPS, was awarded a five-year, $4.8 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to replicate and evaluate a teen sexual health peer education program, known as the Teen Prevention Education Program (Teen PEP), in 16 high schools in rural North Carolina communities with high teen birth rates. Since the program's launch in 1995, PCLT and HiTOPS have worked collaboratively with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to develop and implement Teen PEP in more than 50 high schools in New Jersey.

The new federal grant will enable this successful and proven New Jersey program to expand its impact significantly in the state of North Carolina. The project will:
• build the capacity of schools to provide effective and sustainable sexuality education through a model of peer education;
• support the development of students as effective sexual health educators effecting positive behavioral change among their peers; and
• provide students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to reduce unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.

"We are both honored and thrilled to receive this prestigious award that will enable us to reach thousands more young people with medically accurate sexual health education and leadership development programming," said Daniel F. Oscar, President & CEO of PCLT. "The success of Teen PEP as a statewide model in New Jersey offers a solid foundation for wide-scale replication of the program in rural communities across North Carolina."

"A young person's future depends on the decisions he or she makes today," said Dr. Elizabeth Casparian, Executive Director of HiTOPS. "Adolescents are already a medically underserved population, and are often just a choice away from life-altering actions. Through this project, we can provide the resources they need to make decisions that protect their health, which will enable them to live healthy, responsible lives."

Teen PEP is a school-based program that utilizes peer education to increase responsible decision-making by students around issues of sexual health. High school juniors and seniors serve as peer educators who conduct -- for groups of younger peers, faculty, and family members -- a series of structured workshops designed to reduce risk factors for unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV as well as to enhance protective factors against these issues. Peer educators are trained through a daily, credit-bearing leadership course taught by school faculty during regular school hours. PCLT and HiTOPS build the capacity of schools to implement Teen PEP by providing training, curriculum, and on-site technical assistance to stakeholders and school faculty. The direct implementation of Teen PEP is carried out by faculty employed by and peer educators enrolled in participating schools.

The proposed project will reach more than 12,000 program participants, including 10,000 ninth-grade students, who are the recipients of peer-led workshops. PCLT and HiTOPS will partner with Abt Associates, Inc. to conduct a scientifically rigorous evaluation of the program's impact on student outcomes in order to further enhance the knowledge base and field of teen pregnancy prevention and peer leadership.

Welcome Home!? - Dealing with your Child's Return from College

2010-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Fall break, Thanksgiving, the winter holidays. During the upcoming weeks, many families will experience having a son or daughter who has been away at college return home for the first time. Amidst the joy of having the family together again and seeing a child who has probably been away from home longer than ever before - the return of the college student can present some challenges for parents.

A sense of new-found independence and ability to make their own decisions without parental guidance is part of what makes going away to college both exciting and stressful for young people. When they re-enter the family home young adults may feel constrained and resentful, having to live by family rules and boundaries once again. Their resistance may be a way to let everyone know that they are older, wiser and more mature (all in a few months!).

Here are some things to consider:

• It is still your home and you get to make the rules for the household.
• At the same time, respect that your child is older and has been living more independently. Allow for somewhat more generous curfews and limitations, but still within your comfort and what will work in your home.
• Be prepared for changes in appearance, dietary habits and/or language. Part of the process of becoming independent is choosing to do things in a different way from what was done at home. You can ask about these changes as a curious observer “what made you choose to become a vegetarian? Stop wearing shoes, dye your hair purple?” Unless the change represents a serious and immediate health or safety risk, probably best to keep unsolicited opinions to yourself.
• If there are particular family activities or meals at which your child’s attendance is mandatory, be sure to let them know in advance and try to be flexible about the rest.
• Be vigilant about not serving alcohol to underage youth in your home. You have a right to serve your OWN child alcohol in your home, and only if they intend to remain in the home after consuming alcohol. You may not serve other people’s children.
• Remind your returning child that he or she is an important role model for their younger siblings still living at home.
• While sleep, a home-cooked meal and visiting with friends are important priorities for most returning young people, they can still be expected to contribute to the family by doing chores, running errands and helping out at home. Use of the car and time out and about can be rewards for participating in family maintenance.

Elizabeth M. Casparina, Ph.D.

ecasparian@hitops.org

609-683-5155 x215

Introducing Dan Rice

2010-10-26T16:25:00.001-07:00

HiTOPS welcomed Dan Rice to our education staff in mid-September. Dan, a graduate of Wagner College, is a health educator and co-advisor of the HiTOPS Teen Council. His past experiences in the field of sexual health include working with LGBTQ youth, incarcerated youth, spiritual communities, parent groups, and as the sexual health educator for the Sex, etc. teen editorial staff and web site. Dan has trained professionals across the country on sexuality related topics, keynoted at conferences and served on the core staff of the Training Institute for Sexual Health Education (TISHE). Click here to see some of the programs Dan can facilitate for your group or organization.

HiTOPS Responds to the Recent Tragedy

2010-10-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

HiTOPS staff is deeply saddened by the recent reports of New Jersey youth being part of and affected by both hate crimes and institutionalized homophobia. We work every day to prevent this kind of tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family of Tyler Clementi. In our work with high school populations, we know that youth are more respectful, thoughtful and accepting of diversity when their schools implement harassment and bullying prevention programs, have thriving GSA Clubs (Gay-Straight Alliances) and competent sexual health education.

HiTOPS is committed to ensuring that New Jersey youth have the skills and resources they need in order to be caring and respectful towards their peers. High schools, parents and the community at large have a responsibility to listen to and educate our youth.

Everyone can help. If you are associated with a school in New Jersey:

find out is it has a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA);
find out if harassment and bullying are part of the curricula for all students;
ensure that faculty and parents have the tools to address respectful, appropriate use of technology, and know how to respond to harassment and bullying.

Parent education programs and faculty in-service programs on these issues are critical to supporting students in schools.

If you find your school lacking in any of these areas, please contact your school officials and ask that they be implemented. Work with your PTO groups and community members if funding is an issue.

If you need help with these concerns, please contact Elizabeth M. Casparian, PhD, HiTOPS' Executive Director at 609-683-5155 x 215 or ecasparian@hitops.org.

HiTOPS Busts a Few Myths

2010-10-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

MYTH - HiTOPS services are "just for teens."
NOT!

We see patients from ages 13 to 26 years old, however the majority of our clients are 19 and older: 62% are 19 years and up, 89% are age 17 and up!
And, the largest population to benefit from HiTOPS programs are middle schoolers. More than a third of HiTOPS educational programming is targeted to educate pre-teens directly or by educating their parents or teachers.

MYTH - HiTOPS services are "just for Princeton kids."
Absolutely NOT!

While 61% of HiTOPS clients are from Mercer County, 22% are from Middlesex, 8% from Somerset, and growing numbers from other New Jersey and out of state counties.
In fact, HiTOPS educational outreach serves middle schools, high schools, community organizations, and juvenile detention facilities in 12 counties!
Last year, we focused on programs and services for high risk adolescent populations. At the end of the year, 142 programs (28% of HiTOPS programs) benefited 697 of our most vulnerable youth populations-those who are incarcerated, from low-income families, or at-risk for out-of-home placement!

You Can Make a Difference

2010-10-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

You are an important part of HiTOPS' community because you care about our youth, understand the challenges of adolescence, and recognize how a young person's future depends on the positive choices she or he makes today.

I ask you to think about the young people in your life and the adults they will become. Each one of these individuals deserves a bright future - in fact our society is counting on their success. With your support, we can provide the resources they need to live, healthy responsible lives.

According to The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health, adolescence is "the healthiest period of the lifespan," and at the same time, contains "the highest rates of risk-taking behavior and potentially life-threatening consequences." Adolescents, who are already a medically under served population, are often a choice away from life altering actions.

HiTOPS is here to ensure safe passage through this critical stage in their lives with education, services and support. Please help us to assist them.

HiTOPS' model, developed by nurse practitioners, combines education and clinical care designed exclusively for adolescents. Our work begins with puberty education for pre-adolescents, continues with middle schoolers (and their teachers and parents) on topics such as Bullying/Cyberbullying. For high school age youth, HiTOPS trains its peer educators to deliver age-appropriate workshops designed to inform their peers about actions and consequences, and empowering them to make positive decisions. Older teens and college students, benefit from integrated, confidential health care at HiTOPS.

HiTOPS is the "trusted adult" they tell you about in school.

-Teen, Focus Group, 2010

There are no other programs in the state that offer this menu of services under one roof - HiTOPS is the only free-standing adolescent health center in New Jersey. HiTOPS' long-standing expertise with adolescents is unmatched, as is the ability to refer young people, parents, and health professionals to other appropriate teen-friendly resources when a request is outside of HiTOPS' scope of services.

HiTOPS has conversations with kids that parents don't want to have.
-Teen, Focus Group, 2010

Your support makes a difference. Please click here to go to HiTOPS website and make a donation. Your contribution is a gift to a young person, and that gift is their future.

On behalf of the adolescents we serve, thank you in advance for your support.

Warm Regards,
Elizabeth M. Casparian, Ph.D.
Executive Director

HiTOPS Thanks our Volunteers

2010-08-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

This summer, HiTOPS had the privilege of working with four interns from area schools and colleges on a variety of tasks. Research projects were designed based on questions arising from strategic planning or to support HiTOPS evaluation efforts. Meet these extraordinary young people and learn about their projects.

My name is Omoshalewa and I am a rising senior at Princeton University where I major in Psychology and am pursuing a Neuroscience certificate. During my internship with HiTOPS this summer, I worked on a project compiling information on adolescent primary care sites around the country. This was part of an effort for HiTOPS to begin networking with other adolescent health centers recognized by the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health. Aside from being able to help HiTOPS, during this experience I was able to learn more about the way that teens currently receive care in the United States and how the adolescent care model has been changing over time. In addition to learning more about how HiTOPS operates, this was a great opportunity for me to help out, knowing that what I was doing was contributing to a good cause.

My name is Meghan Casey and I’m going to be a junior psychology major at LaSalle University. My project was to research national and NJ trends in teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, STD/STIs, and alcohol and drug abuse. Through my research I was able to find that teen pregnancy is on the rise all across America but New Jersey still remains one of four states with the lowest teenage birth rates in the country. With that said, NJ is one of four states with the highest abortion rates. HIV/AIDS is infecting approximately 40,000 men and women each year; the number of women living with HIV/AIDS has tripled in the last two decades. As of 2009 in NJ 35% of women are living with HIV/AIDS and 62% of those women are between the ages of 20 and 49. America has seen a recent decrease in alcohol and drug abuse among teenagers but has seen a spike in increased use of prescription pain medications. I’ve really enjoyed working with HiTOPS on this project.

My name is Aubrey, I graduated from Brown University in May 2010 and am getting my masters in social work in the fall at Boston University. I focused on two major projects as a summer intern. My first project was to examine the impact of an adolescent health center in reducing the rates of STI/STDs, HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, and substance abuse. I compared statistics of Mercer County, NJ with Durham County, NC, which has similar demographics but lacks an adolescent health center (such as HiTOPS). In my report, I found that Mercer County had lower rates of STI/STDs, HIV/AIDS, and teen pregnancy, when compared to Durham County (the information on substance abuse was too scarce to draw a conclusion). My second project was to reach out to Rape Crisis Centers, Women’s Centers, etc., and offer them an opportunity to purchase the rape prevention curriculum, titled “One by One: Teens Explore Date Rape,” designed by Elizabeth Walters (Director of Education Programs at HiTOPS) and Christopher Floor. I really enjoyed interning at HiTOPS and am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of an organization that has such an impact in the community.

My name is Ashley Higginson and I am a rising senior at Princeton University. I am a politics major and run both cross country and track for the Princeton Tigers varsity teams. A program called the Community Based Learning Imitative paired me with HiTOPS and it has been such a rewarding experience. Other then organizational and other helpful intern tasks, a large part of my time was spent on a research project, where I assessed and gathered data about adolescents in the South Brunswick High School zoning area that are HiTOPS patients. Every year, the numbers of patients from this area to the Health Center continues to grow. The results showed that the Teen PEP program was the reason over 52% of patients from the South Brunswick High School area ended up at HiTOPS, a very rewarding statistic! Also, I deduced other conclusions, such as the importance of teens having close proximity to a Health Center, the health seeking behavior of different races and genders, and the growing number of adolescents over the age of 18 who are out of high school and need HiTOPS care. After assessing three fiscal years of patients, I put the data together in different demographic and statistical graphs to create a report on the role of South Brunswick clients at the Health Center and thoughts for the future of the HiTOPS Health Center. I really hope my 10 weeks here can be a big help to the HiTOPS mission and the growth of this amazing organization.

Volunteers are valuable “hands” that help HiTOPS carry out its mission—to promote adolescent health and well-being. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at HiTOPS, email cvaucher@hitops.org.

(L-R): Aubrey Fitzpatrick, Anita Gooding, Development Associate at HiTOPS, Ashley Higgins, John Parker, Meghan Casey, Gisela Moore, Omoshalewa Bamkole and Jennifer Chung

H-i-T-O-P-S. What does it stand for?

2010-08-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

What does HiTOPS stand for anyway? Do you know?

a. Hopeful Incredible Teens Offer Positive Solutions
b. Health Interested Teens Own Program on Sexuality
c. Happy Intelligent Teens Offer Popular Skits
d. Heroic Impeccable Teens Orchestrate Puberty Safely

While “all of the above” could describe HiTOPS, you are correct if you selected “b.”

Twenty two years ago, Health Interested Teens Own Program on Sexuality began focusing on educating high school age teens. What you may not know, is that HiTOPS has expanded its reach to pre-adolescents and emerging adults. The largest population to benefit from HiTOPS’ educational programs is middle school students ages 11-14. Last year nearly 4,000 students benefited from classes on puberty, healthy and unhealthy relationships, cyberbullying and sexual harassment prevention. Parents of pre-adolescents are seeking HiTOPS’ expertise to help prevent problems before they arise by increasing family-communication and promoting healthy decision-making.

HiTOPS’ Center for Adolescent Health is serving the other end of the adolescent age spectrum. The Center, located in Princeton, was founded to provide confidential health services to adolescents ages 13-26. Of the 814 clients served last year 89% were ages 17 and up, 62% are 19 and older. College students from multiple counties come to HiTOPS for a variety of health needs. In some cases, the health care they receive from HiTOPS is the only health care they receive from any source during their latter adolescence and young adult years. For more information or to contact the Center, call 609-683-5155 ext. 211.

Teens, Gotta Love 'Em

2010-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Teens are often portrayed as back-talking, eye-rolling, insubordinate sloths. Media reinforces the idea that teens are running wild and can’t be trusted, leading to an impression that teenagers are scary, uncontrollable and manipulative.

Those of us who work closely with teenagers typically see a different picture. While it is true that teens have some limitations related to normal development, experience and maturity, they are capable of making good decisions when they are given clear information and support.

Developmentally, teens lack the ability to understand some of the consequences of their behavior. Teen brains need context, repetition and reinforcement to support memory and learning. A teenager’s emotional intelligence may not be fully formed to clearly articulate their needs and feelings. To address these teen characteristics the staff at HiTOPS has developed certain skills to help young people succeed.

Teens need adults in their lives who mentor, guide, support and care for and about them. Here are some guidelines for communicating with the teens in your life.

• Listen to teens and really hear their feelings, needs and concerns.

• Ask open-ended questions such as “how did you feel when your friend said that?” “What ideas do you have for solving that problem?” “What about this situation makes you most angry,afraid, excited, happy?”

• Speak with teens and not to them.
a) Empower them to think of solutions and offer support and guidance, rather
than rules
b) Expect teens to work hard, have high standards and provide support
c) Reward effort all along the way; everyone needs positive reinforcement when
a task is hard.

• Be willing to explain the steps of a process, slowly and clearly, and not in an exasperated or condescending way.

For more tips, call 609-683-5155 ext. 215, or email ecasparian@hitops.org.

Reaching High-Risk Adolescents at Expanded Sites

2010-07-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

HiTOPS is expanding its efforts to provide risk reduction, prevention education and health services to two high-risk and vulnerable youth populations: incarcerated youth and youth at risk for out-of-home placement. HiTOPS was awarded full funding from Princeton Area Community Foundation's 2010 Spring Greater Mercer Grant to support planning, assessment and delivery of services to these adolescents.

With this funding, HiTOPS is using the summer months to prepare for its ninth and most extensive year of programming for incarcerated youth in four counties. Staff and peer-educators will provide risk reduction and prevention education on the following topics: HIV education, pregnancy prevention, dating violence prevention, homophobia reduction, STD prevention and date rape prevention. In addition, this year, education staff will meet with staff from six different juvenile justice sites to learn more about the specific needs of each site, and develop relationships and programs that will support prevention education for youth.

The Greater Mercer Grant also supports HiTOPS’ ability to respond to a newly identified need in the community. Capitol County’s Children’s Collaborative (CCCC) is an independent, nonprofit care management provider in Mercer County, who came to HiTOPS requesting sexual health education, and specifically reproductive health and healthy decision-making for their adolescent population. CCCC serves children with moderate and high need mental health and behavioral challenges, and works to link them to resources and supports in the community. HiTOPS will be able to work with CCCC case workers to help them address the sexual health needs of adolescent clients and provide youth with health care vouchers for services in HiTOPS comprehensive adolescent health center. In addition to workshops and training for case workers, HiTOPS will be working with CCCC- affiliated parents and youth directly to encourage risk-reduction and health enhancing decision-making and behaviors.

HiTOPS is grateful to Princeton Area Community Foundation and its pool of donors who provide valuable support where the need is greatest. For more information about the program, email elizabeth@hitops.org.

Smooth Transitions

2010-07-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Chances are, this summer a young person you know is on the verge of transitioning to a new school this fall. Whether to middle school, high school or college, this transition, though exciting, can be a time of stress and high emotion for kids and parents. Here are some tips for a smoother transition.

Elementary School to Middle School

The transition to middle school with its new building, changing classes and multiple teachers unfortunately collides with the changes of puberty. Help allay fears about pimples, periods and growth spurts by reminding them that they, like everybody else, are going through normal body changes. Expect kids to be moody and unpredictable and try not to over react to their outbursts or sullenness. Middle school kids are really worried about fitting in, having friends, and avoiding anything that makes them seem different. Give them lots of support and help them find ways to be with friends and develop new interests.

Middle School to High School

Many rising ninth-graders have heightened anxiety about new academic pressures, as well as social pressure related to friends, parties and dating. They are developmentally working on independence and separation and may not express these fears to you. Keep them connected to the family through activities and meals but make their friends welcome in your household. Be sure they get a tour of the high school and meet with their Guidance Counselor to make sure class schedules are in order.

Off to College

“I can’t WAIT to get out of here.” “I can’t WAIT for him to leave.” The conflicts that arise between parents and teens leaving for college are perfectly timed to make it possible to let each other go. Emotions run high for both parents and teens – loss, anxiety, frustration, joy – and you may spend all of your energy reacting to each other. Talk about how it feels to have them leave; offer non-judgmental help for tasks left to be done; understand that beneath the procrastination or attitude lies a child who is leaving home for the first time. Find ways to be encouraging and supportive and let them know they will be missed (even though you may be counting the minutes).

Please forward this article to anyone you know who may benefit.

- Elizabeth Walters, elizabeth@hitops.org

Battle of the Bands photos

2010-06-22T10:05:00.001-07:00

On May 27, What's up Princeton? had it's first event of the summer - a successful battle of the bands. Stay tuned for more events throughout the summer and fall. To view more photos or learn more, check out the What's up Princeton? facebook page: www.facebook.com/whatsupprinceton

What's Up Princeton? (L-R) Susan Conlon, Princeton Public Library; Gary DeBlasio, Corner House; Elizabeth M. Casparian, HiTOPS; Not pictured: Jeff Nathanson, Arts Council of Princeton, and Jack Roberts, Princeton Recreation Department.

HiTOPS is Reaching Adulthood

2010-06-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

HiTOPS is growing up. Though technically still an adolescent at 22, HiTOPS is entering its next developmental phase—complete with a new set of life challenges! HiTOPS is focusing on its future and wants to explore the best ways it can promote adolescent health and well-being locally, regionally and nationally!

HiTOPS is undertaking a comprehensive strategic planning effort, with the goals to achieve a) unified and energized Board and staff around mission, vision and strategic initiatives; b) strengthened relationships with community stakeholders, including key individual donors, current and potential funding agencies; and c) prioritized goals for growth areas with strategies and resources for implementing.

There have been many significant changes since HiTOPS last planning effort, including the market crash, new leadership on the Board and staff, changes in the field of adolescent health, and heightened demands on the nonprofit sector around fundraising and governance. HiTOPS wants to position itself to be able to take advantage of opportunities—such as new government support for evidence-based comprehensive sex education—and be able to address the challenges—such as the recessionary economy and increased competition for resources.

In May, Executive Director Elizabeth Casparian hired a consultant to lead the organization in gathering data from Board, staff and other key stakeholders and identifying areas for growth. Already there have been retreats for both Board and staff, as well as interviews and focus groups with stakeholders. The data collecting will continue through the summer while staff also begin assessing the current capacity of the organization. We are aiming to celebrate in early fall with our new plan!

It Takes a Village...

2010-06-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

At HiTOPS we know that “it takes a village...” and we rely on many local and national partnerships to maximize limited resources and successfully achieve our mission. In addition to the important partners who play a role in educational programs or healthcare services, HiTOPS wants to recognize the many partners who provided financial support this year for programs and services that directly benefitted adolescents with life-saving knowledge, skills, and professional care. These community partnerships are also a source of tremendous encouragement within this recessionary economy.

HiTOPS thanks the following corporate and foundation partners for grants received this year.

- Aetna Foundation

- Albin Family Foundation

- Bristol-Myers Squibb

- Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

- The Curtis W. McGraw Foundation

- E.J. Grassmann Trust

- Fred C. Rummel Foundation

- Harbourton Foundation

- Horizon Foundation for NJ

- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products

- Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

- Mary Owen Borden Foundation

- New Jersey Dept. of Health & Senior Services, Division of HIV/AIDS Services

- Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

- Princeton Area Community Foundation—Fund for Women and Girls

- Princeton Area Community Foundation—Greater Mercer Grants

- Susan G. Komen for the Cure

- The Bunbury Company

- Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton

2009-2010 HiTOPS Teen Council, Executive Director Elizabeth M. Casparian (far left) and Board Member Jim Levine (far right)

L-R: HiTOPS Board member Jim Levine, Executive Director Elizabeth M. Casparian, Catharine Vaucher, Director of Development & Marketing, Aetna employees Matthew W. Miller and Janice C. Washeleski, and Sandra Zordan-Friedman, Director of Health Services at HiTOPS.

Summertime and the Living is Easy: 3 Easy Steps to Avoid Teen Risk-taking

2010-06-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ah, summer! Most school-aged children cannot wait until that bell rings on the last day of school and releases them for the long, lazy summer ahead. Some will head off to camp, some to family vacations and some will sleep all morning. For older teens, those for whom there is no more camp and who are too old for a baby-sitter, summer can present some risk and concerns, especially when both parents are working all day, and teen jobs are hard to find.

Here’s what you can do to help your teen be safe, productive and healthy this summer:

Find useful projects at home

Before the summer is in full swing, organize certain household projects for your teens to do – cleaning out a basement, attic or garage, painting, planting, weeding or any other relatively simple, but time-consuming tasks that NEED to be done around the house. Creating a photo album, a website or other more creative task might also be something that would engage a teen. Consider either paying your teen, or offering some kind of reward that you both agree is motivating. Be sure to set deadlines and check progress daily – offer lots of positive feedback.

Create daily structure – with built-in down time

If your teen is going to be home alone, help them schedule and structure their day – including time for sleeping late, watching TV or whatever they want to do that helps them relax. Also have them schedule in time for physical activity, healthy meals and some productive chores around the house. Summer is a great time for teens to learn to do their own laundry, prepare meals, grocery shop or vacuum the living room.

Encourage community service or volunteer work

While being paid might be ideal, sometimes offering to help a neighbor or an organization can lead to paid employment later on. Asking neighbors if they need pet or plant care while they are on vacation, help with yard work or anything else will give teens a sense of purpose, even if it does not pay much. Some local charities also need extra hands during the summer.

In addition, parents can:

- Check in regularly by phone or text

- Drop in occasionally if you work close by or work from home when possible

- Be sure your teen has tools to be productive – a bike, a good meal, cleaning equipment, recipes, directions to stores, etc.

- Rotate with other parents to share checking in

- Be proactive about requiring that chores and projects be completed on time/daily

- Reward with time off; but only if it is earned

Have a safe and wonderful summer!

Breast Smart at HiTOPS

2010-05-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

HiTOPS recently completed Breast Smart, a pilot study funded by The Central and South Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Sandra Zordan-Friedman, Director of The J. Seward Johnson Sr. Center for Adolescent Health at HiTOPS, led the project. By the end of the April 2010, 335 clients had participated.

HiTOPS partnered with the local Komen affiliate to effect a meaningful reduction in the percentage of late stage diagnoses of breast cancer. HiTOPS targeted adolescent girls with outreach, vouchers for a free clinical breast exam, education and screening. By reaching out to this medically underserved population and providing focused breast cancer related health education and screening, HiTOPS empowered young women to be informed and persistent advocates for their own health - now and throughout their lives.

After answering questions such as, “How often should one conduct a self breast exam?” and “At what age should one begin getting a breast exam by a health care provider?” clients received a one-on-one review and were taught how to do a self breast exam. They were then asked to complete the same set of questions on a post-survey. The study demonstrated an initial lack of knowledge in the total adolescent population around the topics of screening guidelines for self breast exams, provider breast exams, mammography, and knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer. However, after speaking with a clinician and being taught how to perform a self breast exam, 77% clients agreed that as a result of their session, they were more likely to tell their friends and family what they had learned, and were more aware of the importance of breast health.

“It means so much to us that Komen supports the concept of helping younger women learn to develop good breast health habits, AND they recognize HiTOPS’ unique ability to provide the service,” notes HiTOPS Executive Director, Elizabeth M. Casparian, PhD.

Breast Smart was conducted in both English and Spanish. Findings will comprise preliminary data for the establishment of a promising practices guide for adolescents and breast health; guidelines that do not currently exist.

Parents a Priority

2010-05-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

HiTOPS has always maintained and supported the philosophy that parents can and should be the primary sexuality educators of their own children. Research suggests that when parents have clear communication with their children about sexual health issues and values, children are more likely to postpone sexual involvement and seek adult help when making important health decisions.

While adolescents have legal rights to confidential care in NJ and they receive it at HiTOPS Health Center, the clinical staff at HiTOPS believe that it is in the best interest of youth and families to encourage young people to talk with their parents about important health issues. HiTOPS will assist their teenaged clients in talking with parents about any health issue that they are facing (unplanned pregnancy, becoming sexually active, eating disorders, depression, substance use, etc).

HiTOPS supports parents by providing educational programs on a wide variety of topics including talking with young children about sex, helping your child cope with bullying, raising teens self-esteem, supporting positive body image, and many others. HiTOPS staff also regularly answer parents' questions in phone conversations, emails, and during information sessions and HiTOPS programs. To find more topics visit our website www.hitops.org. To schedule a workshop, contact Elizabeth Walters, Director of Educational Programs, at 609-683-5155 ext. 218 or email elizabeth@hitops.org.

UUCP Rummage Sale to Benefit Area Charities - Including HiTOPS

2010-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

On May 8th, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton will hold their annual Giant Spring Rummage Sale where all proceeds are donated to Area Charities. The event will be held from 9am-2pm at 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Cyberbullying: Stop, Block, Tell

2010-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Many parents are concerned about the recent reports of students who have been harmed by cyberbullying. When vulnerable teens are targeted by other teens for relentless and cruel attacks using text messages, social networking sites and YouTube, the consequences can be serious.

According to a Harris Interactive survey released in 2007, four in ten teens who use the internet are cyberbullied. Girls are twice as likely as boys to be victimized and twice as likely to cyberbully. Teen victims report a wide range of emotions relating to the cyberbulling, including anger, embarrassment and fear. Some teens say they are not bothered at all by the incidents.

Teens believe cyberbullying happens because the bully believes he/she will not be caught or, if caught, will not get into trouble. Most students believe that adults and teachers do not know that it is happening.

HiTOPS developed its program on cyberbullying to give primarily middle school teens, parents and teachers simple tools to reduce the incidences and minimize the negative outcomes of cyberbullying. HiTOPS adapted the highly memorable Stop-Drop-Roll message for snuffing out burning clothes to help students remember what to do if they are cyberbullied— “Stop, Block, Tell.”

STOP!
Don't do anything. Take 5! to calm down.

BLOCK!
Block the cyberbully or limit all communications to those on your buddy list.

TELL!
Tell a trusted adult, you don't have to face this alone. It may be useful to print out the messages to show to adults.

HiTOPS also teaches friends to speak out if they witness cyberbullying, and to never pass on or forward messages of bullying. Parents can help by paying attention to any changes in their children’s behavior. Falling grades, changing social activities, mood changes, and anxiety relating to use of cyber media may suggest problems. Listen carefully and ask your child how you can help them deal with the problem.

Just in the last two years, HiTOPS has presented eleven separate programs to teens, parents and teachers. Sections of the workshop have also been integrated into other programs, including workshops on sexual harassment.

For more information, or if you would like to schedule a cyberbullying workshop, please contact Elizabeth Walters, Director of Educational Programs, at 609-683-5155 ext. 218 or email elizabeth@hitops.org.

HiTOPS’ Latinas Got Game

2010-04-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

While HiTOPS is serious about decreasing the rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among Latina youth—it is now playing games to spread the knowledge of risk reduction strategies into the larger community.

LHEEP—Latina Health Education and Empowerment—is a 22-week afterschool program that provides sexual health education and accessible, affordable healthcare to young Latinas, ages 16 to 19. This year’s program has 32 girls, and meets in high schools or community sites in Trenton, Princeton and West Windsor. LHEEP focuses on risk-reduction strategies for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy prevention.

Each participant is expected to share what she has learned with at least 10 people—friends, family, community groups. To help them do this, HiTOPS education staff designed three bi-lingual games that are as educational as they are fun: Later Baby: Know your birth control methods, Condom Line-up and Status is Everything: an HIV activity. Using the games as tools for interaction and conversation, the girls are becoming confident educators and advocates for risk reduction with those they know as well as with broader community audiences such as Communiversity and Princeton Area Community Foundation’s reception for Fund for Women and Girls.

Diana Miranda, HiTOPS Latino Outreach Coordinator, said, “This program is so important for these girls. The information they are learning is both life saving and life changing. It is exciting to see them take control of their health and their lives.”

Latinos face greater than average risks for HIV and unplanned pregnancies. Mercer County’s Latino Vision Council cites healthcare as one of the top issues for the Latino community—with limited access to affordable healthcare and low health literacy as barriers for maintaining health and obtaining care.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, New Jersey has the highest proportion of females among people living with AIDS of all 50 states, and four out of five women living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey are minorities. Among New Jersey Latinas with HIV/AIDS, 63% of the infections were related to heterosexual exposure categories, underscoring the fact that HIV and pregnancy prevention education are both critical health issues for young New Jersey Latinas. Half of all new infections of HIV are in individuals 25 years of age and under.

Included within the program is a tour of HiTOPS Center for Adolescent Health, introduction to the range of health services offered, and a gift card to cover service fees.

LHEEP is reliant upon contributions to do this important work with these vital young women, and is grateful for the support from Princeton Area Community Foundation’s Funds for Women & Girls, the Bunbury Company, and The Mary Owen Borden Foundation.

What's Up Princeton?

2010-04-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

HiTOPS, Corner House, The Princeton Public Library, The Arts Council of Princeton and the Princeton Recreation Department have joined together to form, What’s Up Princeton? A Collaborative of Youth-Serving Organizations. What’s Up Princeton? will sponsor its first event on May 27, 2010 from 4-8pm on the Albert Hines Plaza and in the Community Room of the Princeton Public Library with a battle of the bands. This is a free event for Princeton youth. Bands will perform and compete on the plaza and t-shirts, food coupons and information about each of the organizations will be distributed in the Community Room. What’s up Princeton? has been created to provide a way for organizations who serve and work with youth in Princeton to come together to plan, coordinate and implement no-cost, substance-free activities for young people in our community. Look for future What’s Up Princeton? events this summer and fall, and a Facebook page in the very near future! For additional information about the battle of the bands event, please contact Sheeba Arif at sarif_19@hotmail.com or Elizabeth Casparian at ecasparian@hitops.org.

Parental Involvement Can Reduce Risky Behaviour

2010-03-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Many people are aware of the research showing there is a strong relationship between teen substance use and high-risk sexual behaviour. It is only when prevention and treatment programs attend to both concerns that young people are truly able to protect their health and safety. Parental involvement is also crucial to this process.

New research by the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health lists a total of 12 health risk behaviors that appear to be highly correlated with one another dependent on age, gender and ethnicity. The multiple risk behaviors fall into the following categories:

- Unsafe sexual behaviors;
- Unhealthy eating and exercise patterns;
- Mental health and substance use problems;
- Behaviors that contribute to violence.

Youth who report being involved in one or more of these risk behaviors were significantly more likely to be involved or become involved in additional risk behaviors over time.

Parental involvement, through supporting self-esteem, helping children manage peer pressure, and providing careful supervision, delay and reduce risk-taking for younger teens. Delayed risk-taking allows children time to develop the maturity needed to make more healthful decisions later on.

Participation in parent education programming at schools, faith-based organizations and community based organizations is one way parents can learn strategies and have a forum to discuss their concerns with experts and with other parents.

Princeton High School is offering its annual Parents' Night on alcohol and other substance use on March 24th at the Princeton High School Black Box Theater (Room 191) at 7pm. Representatives from PHS Guidance, Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, Corner House and the Princeton Borough and Township police departments will provide a panel presentation and discussion.

You may view the complete National Alliance report here: http://www.thenationalalliance.org/jan07/factsheet8.pdf

HiTOPS is Still on the Cutting Edge

2010-03-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Two recent national research reports on teen health care describe the characteristics of a successful clinic. HiTOPS is happy to announce that the best practices it has developed, tested and practiced for 22 years, are now THE standards of care for increasing adolescents' access to and participation in their own health care.

The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health March 2010 report entitled, "Adolescents' Experience and Views on Health Care" outlines youth-described barriers to seeking health care. HiTOPS addresses, reduces, and eliminates all of them, including: location of facility, cost, confidentiality, staff expertise and comfort with youth, comprehensive services under one roof, and a non-judgmental environment. A study published by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy entitled, "What Helps in Providing Contraceptive Services for Teens," lists the 11 characteristics of successful teen clinics including: accompanying educational programs, wide range of services, confidential care, contraceptives available, free or low cost, convenient location, flexible medical protocols, education about reproductive health skills, referrals to teen friendly services, and active outreach to make people aware of the services offered.

The HiTOPS Center for Adolescent Health utilizes a prevention–based nurse-practitioner model of care for its proven effectiveness with adolescents. Clinicians work with each client to provide personalized education, risk-reduction strategies, and medical treatment—all towards developing positive attitudes and health promoting behaviors that will greatly impact an adolescent’s quality of life for years to come. Clearly, listening to and involving youth in programs and services is not only what is right, but what works best.

You may view The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health article by visiting http://www.thenationalalliance.org/jan07/report2-2010.pdf and the National Campaign study here: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/pubs/WhatHelps_FINAL.pdf

Teen Council Family Night

2010-02-25T11:14:00.001-08:00

HiTOPS Announces New President, Board of Directors

2010-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

HiTOPS is proud to welcome Nicole K. Martin, MPH, Esq, in her new role as President of HiTOPS Board of Directors. Elizabeth M. Casparian, Executive Director, notes, “I am so pleased to have the chance to work with Nicole in her new role as Board president. She brings energy, enthusiasm and passion for our work to her interactions with others. Nicole also possesses the drive needed to lead the Board as they meet their goals and continue to support HiTOPS’ work in the community.”

Nicole is an associate in the Health Care and Hospital Group of Wolff & Samson. She joined the HiTOPS Board of Directors in July 2008 and has served as co-chair for the 2009 Guardian Award Gala, and Board Vice-President.

HiTOPS Takes the Lead in Adolescent Mental Health

2010-02-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Youth who have eating disorders are far more likely to engage in additional high-risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking, drug use, having unprotected sex, cutting, and suicide attempts than their counterparts without eating disorders.

A UCLA study reports that 15-20% of young people suffer from clinical depression by age 18.(http://www.upi.ucla.edu/), and almost 17% of students in grades 9-12 have seriously considered suicide (Adolescent Health in the US 2007). Because of the impact of depression on quality of life and schoolwork, the link between depression and suicide, and that over 30% of youth have mental health needs and almost 20% of that need is unmet (second in unmet need only to dental care), it is critical to identify depressive symptoms early and help youth access treatment quickly and to ensure that treatment is within their financial means.

HiTOPS is the only adolescent healthcare provider in the Mercer County area that screens for depression and eating disorders. With its funding partner, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, HiTOPS developed a screening tool to evaluate young people ages 13-26 and a directory of mental health providers with expertise working with adolescent populations.

In the first year, HiTOPS screened 682 clients, 40 of which warranted referral or evaluation of their ongoing treatment of depression; 12 warranted referrals and evaluation for eating disorders. HiTOPS Health Services Director, Sandra Zordan-Friedman, projects that 900 youth (males and females) will be screened before the end of the second year of the project. Ms. Zordan-Friedman notes, "Utilizing a short, validated depression and eating disorder screening tool for adolescents in varied healthcare settings is a tremendous asset. Adolescents, often for the very first time, can begin to articulate their feelings of depression and the conversation can help the healthcare provider make an appropriate mental health referral.”

A growing aspect of HiTOPS work to promote adolescent health and well-being is to share models of adolescent healthcare that it has developed and tested.

Two other such models are its peer sexual health education programs for middle and high schools, and its smoking cessation program iQuit! (http://www.iquitathitops.com/) which utilizes podcasting and texting to communicate support and reminders.

Within the year, Ms. Zordan-Friedman will pilot the model with 2 – 4 healthcare practices, providing education and training for the healthcare providers on the use of the tool and referral system. Sharing the tools and training has the potential to benefit at least 500 adolescent clients per site.

GSA Advisor Trainings

2010-02-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

HiTOPS and GLSEN Central NJ hosted two Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) advisor trainings at HiTOPS on January 23rd and 30th. Twenty-eight NJ middle and high school teachers enjoyed the opportunity to discuss successes and challenges of starting and sustaining GSAs in their schools. The half-day training included a viewing of Straightlaced, a film on gender identity, a discussion of how to address cyberbullying with students and upcoming projects such as the GLSEN Days of Action. Feedback was very positive and participants said they were energized and inspired to do more. Requests for future trainings include how to start a GSA and cultural competency trainings on working with youth of color. The training ended with advisors creating an individual plan of action to take back to their schools.

HiTOPS has created a LGBTQ Activity Packet for teachers and GSA advisors. The packet includes many activities and projects used in HiTOPS' LGBTQ support group, First & Third, and lists online resources. Each packet can be purchased for $30. For more information, or to order a packet, contact Corrine O’Hara at corrine@hitops.org or 609-683-5155 ext. 217.

Club HiTOPS

2010-02-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

Club HiTOPS began at John Witherspoon Middle School! The after school group meets twice a month and is designed as a forum for 8th grade students to talk about a variety of “HiTOPS-related” issues such as: relationships and friendships, harassment and bullying, diversity and inclusion, healthy decision-making and the transition to high school. HiTOPS staff educators as well as peer educators from HiTOPS Teen Council, Princeton High School Gay-Straight Alliance, and Princeton High School Teen PEP, will run each meeting with structured activities and facilitated discussions. Refreshments are served and the club is open to all 8th grade students at the middle school. Club HiTOPS meets in the Health Room from 3-4pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month through May 2010. For more information contact Corrine O’Hara corrine@hitops.org or Elizabeth Casparian ecasparian@hitops.org.

Changing the Odds for Incarcerated Youth

2010-01-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

Research shows that juveniles in confinement are disproportionately at risk for HIV and STIs. According to The Center for HIV Law and Policy, a national legal and policy resource and strategy center for people with HIV and their advocates, “Adolescents institutionalized in foster care and juvenile justice facilities are overwhelmingly members of the communities most affected by, and at risk for, HIV/AIDS.”

HiTOPS has been delivering HIV and pregnancy prevention workshops to incarcerated youth for many years with the support of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of HIV/AIDS Services. HiTOPS is partnering with The Center for HIV Law & Policy to develop standards for HIV prevention strategies in juvenile justice sites in New Jersey.

Currently, thanks to a grant from Princeton Area Community Foundation and the Harbourton Foundation, HiTOPS has been able to broaden our outreach efforts to these very vulnerable youth; specifically incarcerated male and female residents ages 12 to 23 at juvenile justice centers in Mercer, Middlesex and Burlington counties.

Educators Diana Miranda and Carolyn Santoro gave workshops on Dating Violence to girls at the Hayes Juvenile Justice facility. By the end of the workshops: 100% of the students recognized that abuse is a form of control and emotional abuse can be just as devastating as physical abuse; 92% recognized that both males and females can be abusers and 85% recognized that violence is not a normal part of a relationship.

Educator Stephen Pitts met with 12 male residents, aged 14 to 17, at Albert Elias RCH, a juvenile justice residential home in Hopewell, New Jersey. At the end of his six sessions there was a 91% increase in knowledge of sexually transmitted infections.

The HiTOPS Teen Council, comprised of twenty area high school seniors trained in leadership and sexual health education, performed Break the Silence - HIV/AIDS Prevention to 25 male residents at the New Jersey Training School for Boys. As a result of the workshops 98% had accurate knowledge of how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and 88% of the participants said they would use protection during sex.

Dr. Elizabeth M. Casparian, HiTOPS Executive Director, notes, “We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with these youth who face increased risks at this time of their lives. These workshops, led by staff and the Teen Council, have allowed us to engage these young women and men, and provide them with knowledge and risk reduction strategies to empower them to make healthier decisions.”

Reducing high-risk drinking at Princeton University

2010-01-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

On January 6th, 2010, Elizabeth Casparian participated in a meeting of the Princeton University Alcohol Coalition Committee (ACC) as a community stakeholder. The ACC, comprised of students, faculty administrators and representatives from the Princeton community, has been working towards creating a culture on campus where underage drinking and binge drinking are not the norm and where students have access to substance-free events and resources to support responsible alcohol use. The group published an excellent booklet called, "Alcohol: Just the Facts" which is available by contacting the ACC at http://www.princeton.edu/campuslife/acc/

Shirley Tilghman, President of Princeton University, has also recently commented on the ACC in The Daily Princetonian: http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/01/15/24895/

HiTOPS at New Jersey Education Association Conference

2009-10-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

This November, HiTOPS will again present workshops at the New Jersey Education Association’s (NJEA) conference taking place in Atlantic City. Every year, hundreds of public school teachers from all over New Jersey attend. This year’s conference focuses on increasing the educator’s knowledge in the area of global awareness and global community.

For this year’s conference, HiTOPS will promote its message of adolescent health and well-being by educating educators on issues teens face inside and outside of the classroom.

Health educators Connie Poor, RN, and Corrine O’Hara, RN will present on “The Cyberbully: Meanness Goes Toxic” and “LGBTQ Issues: Too Tough for Middle School?”

For more information about these workshops, please call 609-683-5155 ext. 218 or email elizabeth@hitops.org. We are delighted that HiTOPS staff has regularly given presentations to teachers at the conference and look forward to a continued relationship with the NJEA.

HiTOPS Co-sponsors 6th Annual New Jersey Gay Straight Alliance Forum

2009-10-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

This year’s Gay Straight Alliance Forum was held at Princeton Day School where more than 280 high school and middle school students from across the state, as well as teachers, and professionals gathered for a day devoted to creating safe, inclusive and supportive school environments for all. Participants took advantage of networking opportunities, a wealth of workshops, special guests, and, local, state and national resources. Workshops included topics such as: “Religion and LGBT Concerns,” “Creating, Building and Maintaining Alliances,” "Let's Talk About Race," "Legal Rights," and the HiTOPS Teen Council performed “Bridges of Respect," a homophobia reduction workshop.

Eliza Byard, Director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), gave an inspirational speech over lunch about GLSEN’s history and her recent trip to the White House where she got to meet President Obama. Pandora Scooter also performed a dynamic spoken word piece on being inclusive which energized the room and celebrated the LGBTQ community. Rush Holt, representative of the 12th District of New Jersey, was unable to attend the forum, but sent a video stating his broad support of LGBTQ issues and how impressed he was with the planning behind the forum.

Corrine O’Hara, HiTOPS educator and LGBTQ Program Coordinator, said: “The forum allows LGBTQ youth, professionals and their allies to come together to learn, and share ways to make our schools and communities safe for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As an organization that promotes health and well-being for youth, the forum is a great partnership for HiTOPS and GLSEN to support and nurture adolescents.”

HiTOPS Responds to the Need to Immunize Local Residents

2009-10-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

As many of you are aware, there is a vaccine available for the H1N1 flu, the so-called “swine flu” virus. As a community-based organization that serves youth and families, HiTOPS is stepping up to support the Health Department’s efforts to administer the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

HiTOPS has a strong relationship with local health departments and contracts annually to provide a variety of testing and risk-reduction education to adolescent residents in Princeton, Hopewell and Montgomery. Since one of the priority populations to receive the vaccine is youth, HiTOPS professional nurses will staff the public immunization sites and we will also begin offering free H1N1 immunizations at 21 Wiggins Street (first come, first served) beginning on November 2 from 1-5pm in our J. Seward Johnson, Sr. Center for Adolescent Health. Vaccinations depend on availability and are for youth between the ages of 13 and 24, with parental consent for those under 18.

The Princeton Department of Health will staff a hotline to answer questions about the flu vaccine and they will also publicize hours and locations for receiving the vaccine. Vaccination is voluntary. Please visit http://www.princetontwp.org/ or http://www.princetonboro.org/ for more information.

8 Traits of Teens Who Abstain From Sex

2009-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Article written by Dr. Bernadine Healy for Houston News. Piece taken from: http://www.39online.com/news/local/sns-health-teens-abstain-sex,0,449910.story

Teens need to be thoroughly educated about sex: why and how to avoid it when it's of no benefit to their physical or emotional well-being (virtually always) and how to maximally protect themselves if they do get sexually involved (all too often).

At a public-health level, there is no such thing as virginity -- if only because it doesn't serve close to half of all teens, who are already sexually active. Actually, it's a wonder it's not more. We live in an anything-goes society in which Sex and the City has become a cultural icon, half of 18-year-olds using social network sites like MySpace clutter them with the joy of risky behaviors that include sex and drug abuse, and grown-ups seem to be more worried about what the kids are divulging than what they are doing.

Encouraging abstinence -- maintained or regained -- should be the goal of all teens. In fact, by the measure of recent sexual behavior, rather than virginity, close to 70 percent of high school students are abstinent. And many teens who are not currently abstinent are succumbing to peer pressure, real or virtual. (A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that a third of sexually active teens were not so sure about it, and roughly a quarter said they were doing "something sexual they didn't really want to do.")

High school abstinence is associated with better physical and mental health across socioeconomic groups, no matter how much you torture the statistics. Teens themselves will tell you that they have stayed away from sexual intercourse because of their own fear of pregnancy (which new data suggest is on the rise, with teen births up in 26 states) and sexually transmitted diseases, not because they're weird or antisex. And there is plenty of evidence that being able to make an abstinence decision is linked to less depression and suicidal thinking.Kids who can make abstinence decisions do better in school, too, even when the comparison group was matched for social background and the desire to pursue education. Abstinent teens are far more likely to attend and graduate from college than those who are sexually active, based on an analysis of the NIH-supported National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health by Robert Rector and Kirk Johnson, researchers at the Heritage Foundation. Seems obvious: less distraction and more time to study.

But maybe it's more. The researchers identified eight personality and behavioral traits that were associated with both abstinence and academic achievement--traits that to some extent may be inborn but can also be taught and reinforced regularly at home and at school:

- Future orientation, with a focus on long-term goals
- Willingness to postpone current pleasures for larger future rewards
- Perseverance, as in the ability to stick to a task or commitment
- A belief that current behavior can positively affect the future
- Impulse control, including ability to control emotions and desires
- Resistance to peer influence
- Respect for parental and social values
- Sense of self-worth and personal dignity

The right kind of sex education of our young is really about more than sex. It's about raising the kind of people we all want to be.

HiTOPS Open House

2009-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Stop by HiTOPS on October 28th between 8-9am or 5:30-7pm. Learn about the programs and services we offer, meet staff and much more. Look foward to seeing you there!

HiTOPS and Horrorfest

2009-10-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

During the month of October, HiTOPS has a chance to win a $7,500 cash prize courtesy of Shady Brook Farm & 94.5 WPST.

Use the promotional code "HiTOPS" to purchase Horrorfest tickets. HiTOPS will receive 20% of the total you spend. For event dates, times and details, visit www.shadybrookfarm.com/hrrfst.

It's so easy...it's scary.

HiTOPS in the News

2009-09-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

All in a Day's Work. Town Topics, May 12, 2010

http://www.towntopics.com/may1210/profiles.php

HiTOPS Executive Director, discussing teens and Facebook.

My9 news, May 10, 2010

http://www.my9tv.com/dpp/my9_news/take_it_on/Take-It-On-Should-Facebook-Be-Banned-For-Middle-Schoolers%3F

Economic stresses affect teens, too. The Princeton Packet, December 29, 2009
http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/12/30/njhealth/news/doc4b3b88b96bb25782664352.txt

HiTOPS thanks Health Department for flu vaccine distribution efforts.

Town Topics, December 9, 2009 http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/12/30/njhealth/news/doc4b3b88b96bb25782664352.txt

HiTOPS Executive Director, Elizabeth M. Casparian, on LX New York. November 31, 2009 http://ow.ly/HWxe

Devoted to total adolescent wellness, HiTOPS is "Poised to grow and poised to serve more" Town Topics, November 4, 2009
http://www.towntopics.com/nov0409/other1.php

Health Center sees recession and its effects. Trenton Times, May 4, 2009
http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1241409954183730.xml&coll=5

HiTOPS renames Health Center to honor $500,000 Legacy Gift.

Town Topics, April 15, 2009

http://www.towntopics.com/apr1509/story3.php

HiTOPs listed as partner on Teen Sense in Center for HIV Law & Policy Paper.

Winter 2008/2009 http://www.hivlawandpolicy.org/briefingpaper/winter0809/CHLP_BriefingPaper_v3.pdf

To make a donation to HiTOPS, visit www.hitops.org/abouthitops/donatenow.shtml or call 609-683-5155 ext. 241.

HiTOPS is not a shoe store and other common myths.

2009-09-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

When asked, "What is HiTOPS?" it is always tempting to say that we are a sneaker outlet. But an organization that deals with adolescents, health, and sexuality does not need any help creating misunderstanding. Misinformation abounds. Here are some common myths about HiTOPS...and the facts.

Myth #1: HiTOPS is great for those kids.

HiTOPS staff often receives praise from parents who are so glad that we are here for kids who need our services and have little parental support. "Those" kids happen to be all of our kids. Teens who benefit from our programs and services are not "good" kids or "bad" kids. They are just kids. HiTOPS is a safe and confidential resource for all young people, ages 13 to 26, their families and the greater community.

Myth #2: HiTOPS encourages kids to become sexually active.

Studies show that youth who learn the facts about sex are more likely to delay the onset of sexual activity than those who do not. Our educational programs help young people sort out the risks and consequences of sexual behavior and make decisions that fit their values and protect their health. Sexual activity is not a criterion for making an appointment. Teens also use the Health Center for sports or camp physicals, for basic health concerns, to quit smoking or to get a referral to another professional.

Myth #3: HiTOPS is free.

HiTOPS is a not-for-profit organization. We cover our expenses by charging for our programs and for visits to our Health Center, and by raising funds through grants and individual donations.
Our prices are on a sliding scale based on age and while we don't turn anyone away because of inability to pay, we teach young people to be advocates for their own health by making and keeping their appointments and eventually paying off their balance for our services. If a client wants to submit a bill to their own parents' insurance company, HiTOPS can prepare a comprehensive bill for services.

Myth #4: HiTOPS comes between kids and their parents.

We believe that parents can and should be their child's primary sexuality educator. Our parent classes cover a host of topics including talking to your kids about sex, sharing your values, raising kids' self-esteem and handling bullying, as well as body image, eating disorders and nutrition. Following the "Minors' Rights to Confidential Reproductive Health Care in NJ" guidelines, our clinical services are strictly confidential. However, our staff encourages the youth who use our services to talk with their parents about important decisions that affect their health and well-being.

HiTOPS envisions a world in which youth have the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives.