Houston Services

The Prevention Specialist introduces and provides Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drug Prevention Education, Awareness, and information to at-risk individuals using the implementation of two federally approved evidence base interventions as follows:

1. Project Towards No Drugs (PTND) targets youth ages 14 to 20 and focuses on three factors that identify tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use, violence-related behaviors, and other problem behaviors among youth, including:

• • Motivation factors (i.e., students’ attitudes, beliefs, expectations, and desires regarding drug use);
  • Skills (effective communication, social self-control, and coping skills); and
  • Decision-making (i.e., how to make decision that lead to health-promoting behaviors).

2. Familia Adelante targets youth ages 10 to 14 who demonstrate early signs of behavioral/emotional problems and can have at least one adult parent &/or caregiver available to attend all parent sessions. Using a psychoeducational approach, the family is provided with new ways for identifying stressors and risk factors, ultimately strengthening ties to important community resources.

This program aims to:

• • Reduce overall levels of family stress
  • Reduce youth behavior problems
  • Reduce the effects of acculturation stress, including discrimination stress
  • Enhance psychosocial coping and life skills in both children and adults
  • Enhance academic achievement
  • Decrease the risk for later substance use and emotional problems in Hispanic children
  • Reduce the rate of HIV among Hispanics through sex and HIV education

The program uses a 12-session curriculum that is culturally sensitive, age-appropriate and approved by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Center’s Substance Abuse Prevention (Virtual Sessions available). Upon completion eligible enrolled participants will receive a $30.00 gift card with completion certificate.

Minorities Action Prevention (MAP) Navigators Program

Employs a dedicated team committed to targeted community outreach, focusing on

• substance abuse
• HIV
• and viral hepatitis prevention

Our navigators are trained to engage with diverse communities, ensuring that education and resources are accessible to all. They work continuously to conduct outreach activities aimed at identifying high-risk individuals and providing them with essential information and support. Through proactive measures, including testing initiatives and educational campaigns, our team strives to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, our navigators provide personalized support and seamless referral to care based on individualized needs, ensuring that everyone receives the necessary resources and assistance to improve their overall well-being.

HIV Prevention Program Services include:

• FREE HIV, Hepatitis C (rapid results) and Syphilis Testing
• Clients meet individually with an Outreach Specialist and together tailor a plan of action that best fits their needs.

Outreach Specialists can schedule to meet individuals beyond normal testing location sites to provide services to people who are at high-risk of communicable infections. Services include: Risk reduction counseling, information dissemination, prevention education, referral(s) linkage and resources for PEP, PrEP, substance use treatment, housing, medical benefits, and additional public health screening. Outreach Specialists also serve as liaisons for individuals who are unable to access services due to language barriers.

Our HIV Prevention Community Health Workers offer CDC and the State of Texas Department of Health and Human Services approved evidence-based intervention(s). Virtual session available.

¿Y Ahora Qué? A grass roots intervention that helps newly diagnosed individuals come together build strong bonds while learning the steps of how to stay healthy! (Virtual Sessions available) A $25.00 gift card and certificate of completion is given once all sessions are completed.

Free Condoms and Lubricants are available.

MAP/Project Tejas assists the community issues related to substance use. Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Supportive Outpatient (SOP), After-care, Recovery Support and Case Management services are offered in English and Spanish. Also offered are alcohol, tobacco, and drug assessments, drug screenings as well as individual counseling services and specialty groups.

The program is culturally sensitive, age-appropriate and approved by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (THHSC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Center’s Substance Abuse Treatment (Virtual Sessions available). Upon completion, eligible enrolled participants will receive a $30.00 gift card with completion certificate.