Abstract
Statement of Problem: Premature mortality is a growing risk in the United States, with many cases on the rise since the pandemic. Among the preventable causes of premature mortality are deaths due to fentanyl overdoses. In South Sacramento, people who did not complete high school face the highest risk of premature mortality due to fentanyl overdose.
Analysis: The BARHII model is used to examine the factors that contribute to fentanyl overdose. These factors include risk factors, risk behaviors, living conditions, institutional inequities, and societal inequities. This project will examine connectedness, school funding, mental health, and chronic truancy as they are significant factors that prevent the priority population from completing high school.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal: GradZen is a program that aims to increase high school graduation rates by improving students' connectedness, mental health, and school funding. The program will group students in high school and apply techniques to enhance their connectedness and mental health. Additionally, by the end of the program, a community coalition will be established to raise awareness about teacher pay and reducing class size.
Implementation and Evaluation: Trainers will collaborate with school staff to implement effective strategies to increase high school graduation rates. The program will use both formative and summative evaluations to monitor progress towards objectives.