Health Priorities, Initiatives & Programs

Healthy Kids

The goal of the Healthy Kids Initiative is to improve a range of health outcomes by engaging disconnected youth in the Paso del Norte region in high quality programs during out of school hours. The Health Foundation refers to “disconnected youth” as people between the ages of 5-17 who are not involved in out-of-school activities or not working. Evidence indicates that youth who are involved in out of school programs are less likely to use drugs, alcohol, or be involved in criminal activity. Well-designed youth activities increase protective factors needed for youth to lead healthy and productive lives. Currently, program partnerships have been established throughout the region and policy efforts are underway.

In 2020, the name of the IGNITE Initiative was changed to the Healthy Kids Initiative in an effort to be clearer and more descriptive with the focus of the Initiative.

Interactive Mapping Tools: illustrate out of school programs through a point in time data set from fall 2016. The U.S. map includes youth population ages 7-18 by census track in the New Mexico and Texas counties of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s service region. The Mexico map includes youth population ages 6-17 by census track in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Links below:

U.S.Map

Mexico Map

Healthy Kids Essence Video: highlights the purpose of the Healthy Kids Initiative and the impact out of school programs can have on health outcomes for youth.

Strategic Plan

Program Lead: Bianca De León

Affiliated Grants

2020 HK: Project ABLE (Art Brokers Learning Experiences)

2020 HK: Formando adolescentes saludables en entornos positivos

2020 HK: Niños, niñas y jóvenes en acción: Actividades extraescolares con influencia positiva.

2020 HK: Unidos Prosperamos

2019 IGNITE: More Teens, More Often

2020 HK: Conectando con ValorArte 2020-2021

2020 Healthy Kids: Healthy Kids Backbone Organization