The Oneida County Health Department sat down with Rhinelander High School freshman recently to talk about some tough topics.
The "Street Smart" sessions bring evidence-based curriculum to youth says Community Health Specialist Maria Otterholt...
"....a program designed to help students conquer life issues they might be facing when it comes to sex, drugs and alcohol. They're topics that are often not talked about but can be difficult for a youth to navigate as they go through they're high school career...."
She says the small-group setting helps young people open up about what they are thinking...
"...try to get the youth to understand their core beliefs and values are when it comes to these situations so that way in the real world, when they are faced with them, they might know how to make a smart or informed decision that going to help them reach their goals and dreams..."
Otterholt says they've gotten positive feedback from the youth...
"...They say it's a fun way to talk about topics that aren't normally talked about and it helps them with their real life problems. Sometimes they're shocked by the different conversations we're having, but the whole point is to give them the correct information that they need around these topics so they can make the best decisions possible..."
This fall, the Health Department will host a Parents Night, to let parents know about the Street Smart program.
More information is available at the Oneida County Public Health Department.
