Overview

The Behavioral Health Project (BHP) model is a multi-year research and Department of Education (DOE) standards based program that delivers measurable outcomes. The BHP effectively addresses needs faced by contemporary youth (middle school to high school) with emphasis on program content that is culturally sensitive to Hawai'i's demographic. Program content includes alcohol and substance abuse, teens and relationships, depression, and obesity. The BHP is a replicable interactive model that evaluates its teaching practices, provides instructional validation and targets feedback that identifies area requiring additional development. RecoveryWorks is developing this model for introduction to adult viewing audiences on Pacific Network Television, an Internet network of nine channels.

RecoveryWorks (RW) methodology is two-phased. Research and development (R&D) wherein RW consults with DOE curriculum specialists to identify program content that is health standards based. R&D also involves the development and administration of surveys. The analysis of survey data provides valuable insights from students and teachers, and program content within a standards-based context. The data will be made available to legislators and health trend researchers and serve as the basis for future funding sought to expand the BHP to elementary and other students. Phase II is the implementation of the BHP utilizing the tripartite model of instruction, a process that is curriculum based, comprehensively delivered and evaluated thoroughly.

The project team of Dr. William Haning, Dr. Dennis Johnston, Edgy Lee and Jeffrey R. Mueller, develops and implements multi-faceted interactive programs that incorporate extensive research and targeted instructional strategies that rely on broadcast quality video programs. BHP delivers program presentations and provides educator and facilitator training that will allow for quality dissemination school-wide. Project evaluations (internal and external) are also conducted.

Curriculum is based on video production with content that incorporates music, celebrity presence and/or role models familiar to Hawai'i's youth and experts in related fields. Broadcast quality productions are made available for television, as Public Service Announcements, and video Internet streaming on Pacific Network Television.

Statement of Need

There is a need for effective long-term intervention through education and prevention strategies. Hawai'i's population continues to be disproportionately affected by the negative impact of alcohol and substance abuse, detrimental teenage relationships, depression and obesity. Hawai'i ranks near the top deciles of national research rankings. These problems continue to contribute to the upward spiral of health care and social services costs in Hawai'i (see HMSA's Health Trends in Hawai'i 2006). The BHP will develop standards based curricula in consultation with the DOE and University of Hawai'i College of Education.

In 2005, RW conducted a workshop for the West Coast Regional National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse on developing culturally sensitive interactive education and prevention programs that utilize contemporary media platforms. For more than two years RW has conducted programs and collected surveys in the work place, in class rooms, at seminars and conferences, with branches of the military, and at community events including the City & County of Honolulu "Sunset Events," Keiki Day at the State Capitol (attendance 10,000+), at the Kauai Community Outreach event, and at numerous other venues. The data analyses clearly demonstrate a consensus that:

Outcomes

This project produces measurable outcomes for students and teachers. The program enables students and teachers to identify key issues that affect students' lives. Personal, familial and environmental obstacles are identified and alternatives defined. Students are provided with strategies that lead to better choices toward healthier lifestyles, improved communication with family members, teachers, parents and peers. In addition, educators gain valuable insights into social issues affecting classrooms, homes and communities. They develop the presentation and communication skills needed to address these issues. As part of the survey process, teachers also develop a knowledge base for the use of project data, gaining valuable insights into social issues that affect their classrooms, schools, homes, and communities. The BHP will seek recognition from educators, the business and medical community, legislators and the community-at-large to ensure program sustainability and longevity.

Indicators

This project utilizes anonymous surveys as part of the presentation model for all participants. Age and population appropriate surveys are developed for each specific program and administered in two parts. The first part of the survey concerns demographics and various behavioral issues relevant to program content. The second part of the survey is an evaluation of the content reflected in the presentation, the video, and the teacher/facilitator of the program presentation. Participants qualitative responses are aggregated using a thematic extraction technique that allows for identification of program strengths, challenges, and other topics of 'high need' for future projects.

Specific indicators related to the topical areas of the proposed project include, but are not limited to:

Specific indicators related to the effectiveness of the proposed project include, but are not limited to: