Youth Prevention Programs—Penobscot Nation

Project Results

Participants were asked to complete a survey after each activity and the community members were asked to complete a survey on the overall prevention program. The majority of the surveys provided very positive feedback regarding the prevention activities. Most suggestions for improvements consisted of the addition of specific fitness activities.

Keys to Success

The Penobscot Nation Health Department is fortunate to have many of the prevention program partners within the Tribal community. Solid ongoing working relationships have been built with many of these departments such as the Indian Island School, Law enforcement, Education and Career services, Tribal Government/Administration and The Boys & Girls Club. The prevention activities have received support and cooperation from these and other departments in the community as well.

Another key to the success of these prevention programs is the experience of the PNHD staff. Many of the staff have been here for more than 15 years. This experience has provided history on what strategies have and have not been successful.

Obstacles

It has been a challenge to bring the communities’ adolescent population in to PNHD due to several factors. For example:

• The adolescent population attend high school off the reservation.
• Extra-curricular activities prevent adolescents from attending community activities as there are often time conflicts.
• The adolescents are spread between four high schools in different cities.