About

Brief project summary

Native youth sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk reduction programming continues to be one of the greatest needs across Navajo Nation. Navajo Nation ranks above the national average on numerous measures of sexual risk, including STIs. Of particular concern, syphilis in one Navajo Nation county is approximately 10 times the national rate. The University of Montana has partnered with Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health to plan and implement evidence-based, teen pregnancy and STI prevention strategies for youth on the Navajo Nation.

What we are doing

  • Family Connection Workshops (LiFT program): A strengths-based 1-day program designed to strengthen family communication, promote positive decision-making, and support teen well-being through engaging, culturally relevant activities. Designed for ages 13-19 years.
  • Online program (Vision of You): An interactive, self-paced online reproductive health education program that uses engaging videos, animations, interactive components, and gamification principles to provide information, develop skills, and promote behavior change. Designed for ages 13-24 years.
  • Summer camps (Motivational Interviewing, or MI): Empowering youth to realize their full (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) potential through the promotion of physical fitness, healthy nutrition, reproductive health, and positive life skills. MI is a collaborative, person-centered counseling approach that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence to strengthen their motivation and commitment to change.
  • Clinic video (Plan A): An interactive reproductive health education tool that uses relatable scenarios and engaging content to teach teens about family planning, communication, and making informed decisions. Designed for females 16-24 years.

How this will help improve health in our community

  • The program will leverage community and cultural strengths to postpone sexual initiation, clearly communicate the risks and consequences associated with sex, and develop youth’s knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and skills to make positive decisions as they move through adolescence.

Program Contacts

Barbara Harvey: bharvey7@jh.edu
Abagail Edwards aedwar64@jh.edu


To learn more about program offerings, view past program newsletters, and connect with our team, please go to www.linktr.ee/hozhohorizons.