Adolescence is a stage of great transformation and susceptibility, making intervention at this age the perfect opportunity to promote healthy decision-making. Schools are a primary place of influence for adolescents, and state and federal policies guide what, and how, students are educated. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina (APPCNC) is a nonprofit organization in Durham, North Carolina whose primary goal is for “every adolescent to have the combined benefits of sexuality education, family and community support, and healthcare needed to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy and become a healthy adult” (www.appcnc.org/about/mission). The APPCNC consistently uses its “Summary of Adolescent Health Statutes” document - a compilation of state and federal statutes pertaining to adolescent health - in its work with community partners. The purpose of this public service project was to update and add to this document, which had not been revised since 1998. The statutes in the original document were updated to reflect any changes since 1998, new legislation was incorporated - such as pertinent laws from the Healthy Youth Act - and a new section containing statutes related to adolescent health was also incorporated. An index was created to help readers navigate the statutes and interpret legal jargon, making the document accessible to a wider audience. Understanding health legislation is imperative for effective health promotion, and this document will help educate and inform those in positions to make change, such as parents, school officials, and child advocates. This project has helped me gain an understanding of the adolescent health issues affecting NC youth and the ways in which our specific legislation affects, or even creates, these issues. As an aspiring health professional this level of civic engagement has helped, and will continue to help me understand and appreciate the importance of policy in relation to health status and health promotion.
