Preventing Substance Use and Risky Behavior Among Rural African American Youth

The Rural African American Families Health (RAAFH) Project is a federally funded research study designed to evaluate the effectiveness two prevention programs designed for rural African American families. One program, FUEL, helps teens develop lifestyles that prevent health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and being overweight. This program deals with diet and exercise, the influence of TV and magazines on eating habits, and handling stress. The second program, the Strong African American Families Teen Program (SAAF-T), helps teens learn how to develop plans for the future and to avoid drug use and unsafe sex. The sessions deal with goal setting, peer pressure, and staying in school.