Affirm Improves Care For Arizona’s Youth Through Adolescent Champion Model
Today, Affirm opens the enrollment period for the sixth cohort of the Adolescent Champion Model (ACM). The initiative, developed by the University of Michigan’s Adolescent Health Initiative and implemented in Arizona through Affirm, is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that supports practices in balancing comprehensive family care with the needs of adolescent patients. Following the regimented care requirements and milestones of pediatrics, medical appointments during the adolescent stage (defined as age 12-24) are often neglected or unsatisfactory. Affirm believes healthcare providers play a critical role in empowering adolescents to establish the lifelong healthy habits required to develop and transition youth into their adult lives.
Through the ACM, Affirm is able to help Arizona’s public and private health centers, providers, and practices to create youth-friendly environments by training staff, improving policies, and addressing the specific healthcare needs of adolescents. Some examples of teen-specific health needs include, but are not limited to, prompt behavioral health referrals, extended clinic hours to schedule around school and work, and routinely gathering feedback for insight on overall services provided to adolescents.
The ACM’s sixth cohort in Arizona will begin August 2025 and continue through January 2027. Over eighteen months, participants will gain valuable tools for assessing the quality of their adolescent care and addressing areas needing improvement. Additionally, they will join a community of over 30 Champion Teams from all over the state for ongoing collaboration, development, and support. While this program is a relatively long-term commitment intended to foster professional growth and development, participants overwhelmingly agree that the value of the ACM is unmatched. In fact, 100% of the health centers that completed the Adolescent Champion Model have reported improvement in their adolescent health care services.
“With the ACM, we are driving real change in how adolescents experience healthcare, ensuring they receive the care they deserve,” said Celeste Krell-Colum, lead Program Manager for the ACM at Affirm. “Together, we’re building a healthier future for Arizona’s adolescents, and we invite providers and health centers to join us in this important mission.”
Applications for Cohort 6 are accepted until the end of June or until the seven open spots have been filled. Due to limited availability, interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. For more information and for the Cohort 6 application, check out HealthyAZYouth.org or email ACM@affirmaz.org.
