HiTOPS in the News

All in a Day's Work. Town Topics, May 12, 2010

http://www.towntopics.com/may1210/profiles.php

HiTOPS Executive Director, discussing teens and Facebook.

My9 news, May 10, 2010

http://www.my9tv.com/dpp/my9_news/take_it_on/Take-It-On-Should-Facebook-Be-Banned-For-Middle-Schoolers%3F

Economic stresses affect teens, too. The Princeton Packet, December 29, 2009
http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/12/30/njhealth/news/doc4b3b88b96bb25782664352.txt

HiTOPS thanks Health Department for flu vaccine distribution efforts.

Town Topics, December 9, 2009 http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/12/30/njhealth/news/doc4b3b88b96bb25782664352.txt

HiTOPS Executive Director, Elizabeth M. Casparian, on LX New York. November 31, 2009 http://ow.ly/HWxe

Devoted to total adolescent wellness, HiTOPS is "Poised to grow and poised to serve more" Town Topics, November 4, 2009
http://www.towntopics.com/nov0409/other1.php

Health Center sees recession and its effects. Trenton Times, May 4, 2009
http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1241409954183730.xml&coll=5

HiTOPS renames Health Center to honor $500,000 Legacy Gift.

Town Topics, April 15, 2009

http://www.towntopics.com/apr1509/story3.php

HiTOPs listed as partner on Teen Sense in Center for HIV Law & Policy Paper.

Winter 2008/2009 http://www.hivlawandpolicy.org/briefingpaper/winter0809/CHLP_BriefingPaper_v3.pdf

To make a donation to HiTOPS, visit www.hitops.org/abouthitops/donatenow.shtml or call 609-683-5155 ext. 241.

HiTOPS is not a shoe store and other common myths.

When asked, "What is HiTOPS?" it is always tempting to say that we are a sneaker outlet. But an organization that deals with adolescents, health, and sexuality does not need any help creating misunderstanding. Misinformation abounds. Here are some common myths about HiTOPS...and the facts.

Myth #1: HiTOPS is great for those kids.

HiTOPS staff often receives praise from parents who are so glad that we are here for kids who need our services and have little parental support. "Those" kids happen to be all of our kids. Teens who benefit from our programs and services are not "good" kids or "bad" kids. They are just kids. HiTOPS is a safe and confidential resource for all young people, ages 13 to 26, their families and the greater community.

Myth #2: HiTOPS encourages kids to become sexually active.

Studies show that youth who learn the facts about sex are more likely to delay the onset of sexual activity than those who do not. Our educational programs help young people sort out the risks and consequences of sexual behavior and make decisions that fit their values and protect their health. Sexual activity is not a criterion for making an appointment. Teens also use the Health Center for sports or camp physicals, for basic health concerns, to quit smoking or to get a referral to another professional.

Myth #3: HiTOPS is free.

HiTOPS is a not-for-profit organization. We cover our expenses by charging for our programs and for visits to our Health Center, and by raising funds through grants and individual donations.
Our prices are on a sliding scale based on age and while we don't turn anyone away because of inability to pay, we teach young people to be advocates for their own health by making and keeping their appointments and eventually paying off their balance for our services. If a client wants to submit a bill to their own parents' insurance company, HiTOPS can prepare a comprehensive bill for services.

Myth #4: HiTOPS comes between kids and their parents.

We believe that parents can and should be their child's primary sexuality educator. Our parent classes cover a host of topics including talking to your kids about sex, sharing your values, raising kids' self-esteem and handling bullying, as well as body image, eating disorders and nutrition. Following the "Minors' Rights to Confidential Reproductive Health Care in NJ" guidelines, our clinical services are strictly confidential. However, our staff encourages the youth who use our services to talk with their parents about important decisions that affect their health and well-being.

HiTOPS envisions a world in which youth have the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives.