Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

OAKWOOD HEALTHCARE, INC., Dearborn, MI
Taylor Teen Summer Arts and Prevention Academy

What is it?
Each year thousands of pre-teens and adolescents in western Wayne County benefit from health care and prevention services provided by Oakwood's teen health centers. The Summer Arts and Prevention Academy exposes teens to the fine arts, while providing a creative outlet and teaching them to cope with stress through visual art, dance, drama, or music. Counselors, art instructors, and peer educators facilitate the prevention sessions and educational modules.

Who is it for?
Teens struggling with unhealthy behaviors.

Why do they do it?
The Summer Arts Academy is designed to steer teens away from unhealthy behavior such as drugs and violence. In a unique way, the program boosts youth self-esteem while helping students make smarter decisions about their health. Due to the popularity of the program, another one was established, specifically for high school students. Some of the teens are referred by social workers or by school administration, while others choose to participate on their own.

Contact: Jamie Balavitch
Lead Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator
Telephone: 734-942-2273
Email: Jamie.Balavitch@Oakwood.org