The UTHSC Center for Youth Advocacy and Well-Being is dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for young people in the Memphis community and surrounding areas. Founded in 2015 as part of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, the center aims to raise awareness about youth mental health issues and coordinate the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.
Under the leadership of Dr. Altha J. Stewart, the center focuses on several key initiatives:
- Promoting trauma-informed care and interventions for youth exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Connecting at-risk youth with chronic illnesses to integrated health services
- Providing gang intervention and violence prevention programs
- Offering family support and wraparound services for youth with serious mental health needs
The center takes a collaborative approach, partnering with schools, community organizations, and local service providers to create a comprehensive support system for vulnerable youth. It also emphasizes youth empowerment, working to engage young people directly in advocacy efforts and program development.
With a focus on evidence-based practices and community engagement, the UTHSC Center for Youth Advocacy and Well-Being strives to break cycles of trauma, improve access to mental health care, and ultimately give all young people in the community the opportunity to thrive.
