**Health School for Parents to Launch in Tijuana by Year’s End**
Tijuana is taking a proactive approach to family health with the introduction of a Health School for Parents set to launch at the end of the year. Spearheaded by the city’s Directorate of Health Prevention and Control, this initiative will focus on crucial areas including mental health, addiction, and vaccination awareness for children and teenagers.
Viridiana Flores Flores, the project leader, confirmed that while the program is projected to start in late December, full operations will begin in January 2025. The Health School for Parents will be a permanent fixture, leveraging the expertise of health professionals, including pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists, to educate parents.
The emphasis on mental health is vital, as there has been a noted increase in self-harm and suicide among young people in the aftermath of the pandemic. Alarmingly, suicide has become the primary cause of death among adolescents, overtaking accidents. This underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions.
The initiative will initially roll out in eleven public schools, with plans to expand across Tijuana’s nine delegations. A significant aspect of the program is addressing the issue of incomplete vaccination records among children, with planned vaccination drives in schools in collaboration with state health authorities.
**Pertussis Outbreak Concern in Tijuana**
Amid these health initiatives, Tijuana is also tackling a rising number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases, currently leading the region in infections. Efforts are underway to control the spread and protect vulnerable populations, particularly the unvaccinated.
**Alcohol Abuse Warning Among Tijuana Youth**
Meanwhile, authorities are raising alarm bells over excessive alcohol consumption amongst the youth, with initial exposure occurring as early as 12 years old. This concerning trend highlights the necessity for comprehensive health education and preventative measures within the community.
These developments in Tijuana reflect a broader commitment to improving public health through education, awareness, and preventive strategies.