The first SAHCs emerged in state public health agencies in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By 1988, nearly twenty state Title V/MCH programs had created or designated existing staff as the state adolescent health coordinator.
SAHCs have been a force to be reckoned with ever since. The first-ever published analysis of adolescent populations served by Title V/MCH Programs was released in 1989 with input from SAHCs in 33 states on their respective roles in serving adolescents. The report’s findings strengthened the case for prioritizing adolescent health in MCH programs.
SAHRC was established in 2000 with HRSA/MCHB funding as a technical assistance and training center focused on supporting these public health professionals to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults.
Originally housed in the University’s Konopka Institute for Best Practices in Adolescent Health, a former UMN initiative inspired by the work of Gisela Konopka, SAHRC helped states build public health approaches to adolescent and young adult health using a Positive Youth Development lens.
Due to changes in federal funding priorities, SAHRC closed its doors on September 1, 2023 9/1/23. We are proud of our 30 year legacy as the primary source of training, technical assistance, and infrastructure support for the National Network of State Adolescent Health Coordinators (NNSAHC) and Title V/MCH professionals focused on adolescent and young adult health in 59 states and HRSA jurisdictions.
