A multisectoral approach to implementing statewide healthy relationships programming: Strengths, challenges, and strategies for success from Alaska

The Fourth R is an evidence-based approach to promoting healthy relationships and preventing violence and related risk behaviors among adolescents. It is a school-based program implemented by teachers that meets national health education standards and uses interactive activities to build student skills. Over the past four years, a multisectoral consortium in Alaska has worked to adapt the Fourth R for an Alaskan context and implement it statewide. Partners from the Division of Public Health, Department of Education & Early Development, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, along with support from the Governor’s office and research institutions have worked collaboratively to fund, implement and evaluate the program. Preliminary results indicate that the implementation was successful and point to program impacts among youth participants. Partners leveraged resources across public, private and non-profit agencies and contributed in a way that transcended typical state-level collaborations. This session will focus on the strengths, challenges, and strategies for success that emerged during this collaboration process. Data from a multistakeholder focus group and individual partner interviews were analyzed to identify key themes. Challenges such as resource planning, differing mandates, and timelines were identified. Strategies used to overcome these challenges will be highlighted. Unanticipated benefits of the consortium were also realized and the importance of proactive, multifaceted communication will be emphasized. Participants will be provided with a tool to analyze the respective contributions and challenges faced by each partner of such a collaboration.