The Impact of Million Hearts Screening and Education in Ohio Adolescents

Many lifestyle behaviors that contribute to or reduce risk for chronic disease and disability in adulthood are developed in adolescence. The Ohio Adolescent Health Partnership, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health and Child Health Program, identified behavioral health, physical activity and nutrition as key areas for their 2013-2020 strategic plan to improve adolescent health. The Million Hearts initiative, a national, evidence-based intervention from the Department of Health and Human Services, promotes the ABCS(S), which are strategies to improve physical and mental health. Purpose: The Ohio State College of Nursing, in partnership with Ohio State health science colleges students and faculty, provided state of Ohio adolescent community residents with a Wellness on Wheels event, to screen and educate Ohio adolescents on the Million Hearts ABCS(S) intervention components and importance of self-care through healthy eating, physical activity and stress reduction. Methods: High school students from a suburban and rural high school were recruited to participate in a Wellness on Wheels event during the school day. Parent/guardian permission was required. Results: Aggregate generalize anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) and personal health questionnaire scale (PHQ-9) will be shared with attendees; additional aspects of the intervention will also be shared. Discussion: The Wellness on Wheels event, focused on the ABCS(S) and the importance of self-care, is a useful strategy to provide valuable health information to not only the adolescents but their caretakers, in hopes of reducing the risk of chronic illness in adulthood. Intended audience: Health promotion and medical/clinical professionals and practitioners working to improve and care for Ohio adolescent health and well-being.AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Megan Amaya, Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice, College of Nursing, amaya.13@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Kate Gawlik, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, College of Nursing; Bernadette Melnyk, Dean, Chief Wellness Officer, College of Nursing.Many lifestyle behaviors that contribute to or reduce risk for chronic disease and disability in adulthood are developed in adolescence. The Ohio Adolescent Health Partnership, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health and Child Health Program, identified behavioral health, physical activity and nutrition as key areas for their 2013-2020 strategic plan to improve adolescent health. The Million Hearts initiative, a national, evidence-based intervention from the Department of Health and Human Services, promotes the ABCS(S), which are strategies to improve physical and mental health. The Ohio State College of Nursing, in partnership with Ohio State health sciences college students and faculty, provided state of Ohio adolescent community residents with a Wellness on Wheels event, to screen and educate Ohio adolescents on the Million Hearts ABCS(S) inter-vention components and importance of self-care through healthy eating, physical activity and stress reduction