The California Adolescent Health Collaborative (AHC) is a public-private statewide coalition with the goal of increasing understanding and support for adolescent health and wellness in California. As a coalition of representatives from public and private agencies, we are committed to a comprehensive, assets-based, multidisciplinary approach to improving the health and well-being of California youth.

The Collaborative grew out of the initiative, commitment, and perseverance of a core group of individuals who attended a four-state conference held in 1995 to review states' efforts to promote adolescent health. At that time, there was no existing statewide organization in California with a mission to address adolescent health and well-being from a non-categorical, multidisciplinary perspective. This core group continued to meet regularly and involve new members. By January, 2001, with support from the California State Department of Health Services, Maternal and Child Health Branch, the AHC released California's first statewide strategic plan for adolescent health, Investing in Adolescent Health: A Social Imperative for California's Future. The plan has served as a model for adolescent health initiatives in California’s counties and in other states.

A Steering Committee of experts in adolescent health and wellness guides the work and focus of the Collaborative. Over 800 professionals involved with clinical care, policy development, research, public health, youth development, advocacy, legal aid, schools and youth services are part of the AHC’s statewide network. Membership in the Collaborative and participation on the Steering Committee are open to all interested individuals. Please sign up to be a member or contact us about joining the Steering Committee .

Over the years, the AHC has received support from the California Family Health Council, The California Wellness Foundation, the Sierra Health Foundation and the California Endowment.

• Convening. The AHC brings together groups for to share information around issues related to adolescent health. Some of our recent meeting topics include: mental health, utilization of health services, and budget issues.
• Training. The AHC sponsors regional trainings. In partnership with the Adolescent Health Working Group, we recently completed five trainings across the state on minor consent and confidentiality.
• Data. In partnership with the National Adolescent Health Information Center (NAHIC) at UCSF, the AHC prepares report cards and data guides to improve access to data on adolescent health
• Publications. In partnership with NAHIC, the Public Health Institute and other organizations, the AHC has released a variety of publications to supplement the strategic plan, including Improving Health Care Access Through Teen-Oriented Outreach, Involving Youth in Public Policy, The Health Status of California’s Latino Youth, California Adolescent Data Update: Intentional & Unintentional Injury, and the 2006 Teen Health Report Card.
• Website. The AHC is committed to maintaining a website that serves as a gateway to a wide array of resources on adolescent health in California.