Harriet Tubman Program

Health Planning & Assessment

Health Promotion & Wellness

Public Information

Regional Health Council

Regional Prevention  Program

HARRIET TUBMAN EXPRESS PHILOSOPHY

The Harriet Tubman Express project is a co–ed teen pregnancy postponement and life skills attainment program targeted for the teen residents of the Harriet Tubman Development and the surrounding communities. The strategy for pregnancy postponement used at the “Express” is based upon the concept that teen pregnancy is a complex problem with causes broader than one lacking factual human reproduction knowledge. With this basic premise in mind, the Chattanooga Hamilton County Health Department and the Tennessee Department of Human Services in a joint venture established this program. The goal of the program then and now, is to positively influence the cultural, social, psychological, spiritual, and physical makeup of the youth living in the Harriet Tubman Community.

Harriet Tubman Express participants will have an opportunity to:

CURRICULUM

HOMEWORK/TUTORING: Two and a half-hours daily are set-aside for homework or tutoring. Every participant and visitor in grade school is required to honor this time. If their teacher has not given homework or some other project, the HTE staff provides a challenging assignment. Tutoring is provided by the staff mentors daily and twice a week volunteer tutors donate their time.

PEER EDUCATORS: Twelve of HTE’s high school participants receive stipend or other rewards to train and provide substance abuse prevention messages to their peers. The entire HTE family works with these individuals in spreading the substance abuse prevention message.

WHEN MEN TALK: Male participants are given an opportunity to hear and see males that have made some great achievements and accomplishment in their careers and lives. 

NEW ATTITUDE: Female participants are given an opportunity to hear and see females that have made some great achievements and accomplishment in their careers and lives. 

RECREATION/LIFETIME SPORTS: Participants are provided an opportunity to exercise and relax their bodies and minds in an activity that is fun and competitive. These activities normally are activities that are performed by all ages. 

HUMAN SEXUALITY: Participants are provided factual information regarding their bodies, puberty, sexually transmitted diseases, and abstinence. 

COMMUNITY SERVICES: Each week participants are provided an opportunity to serve their community. Participants earn points for their volunteer work.

RITES OF PASSAGE:  Afro – centric curriculum that targets the Spiritual, Emotional, Social, Personal, Mental, Cultural, Historical, Political, Economic, and Physical well - being of participants. 

CULTURAL EVENTS: Participants are given opportunities to share their culture and to experience a diversity of other cultures through art, music, dance, poetry, and through field trips to places near and far.

INCENTIVES: Participants are given points daily which allows them to participate in planned trips locally and nationally.