As CityMatCH member health departments strive to improve the overall health and well-being of urban women, children and families, they also dedicate considerable effort to addressing the complex, multifaceted aspects of assuring urban adolescent health and well-being. Children and adolescents age 0-17 constitute one-fourth of the Nation's population and while they are healthier than adults in general, from 13 to 23 percent experience special health care needs or chronic illnesses and disabilities. ¹

In the decade from 1990-2000, the U.S. adolescent population increased by 16.6 percent, and these numbers are projected to keep increasing, to an estimated 41.6 million by the year 2010.² Public health is charged with assuring the health and well-being of this growing population from adolescence - with all its uncertainty, changing roles, responsibilities, and rights - through an intentional and successful transition to adulthood. For public health to assure positive outcomes for adolescents - unique tools, skills and training are required.

CityMatCH is actively engaged in national efforts to elevate and promote adolescent health, safety, and well being. We are committed to building local capacity to address the most pressing urban adolescent health issues, including the elimination of health disparities among urban adolescents.