Georgia's Blueprint for Youth: GCAPP Exceeds Five-Year Health Goals

ATLANTA, GA – April 17, 2026 – The Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP) has announced the successful conclusion of its ambitious five-year strategic plan, Impact 2025, a statewide initiative that has reached hundreds of thousands of adolescents and reshaped the landscape of youth health and well-being. The organization not only met but significantly exceeded its goals, demonstrating the profound effect of strategic, community-focused public health efforts.

Launched in 2021, the Impact 2025 plan was designed to expand GCAPP's reach and empower young people to make healthy life choices. Over the five-year period, the organization's programs and services directly reached 637,841 adolescents. When including parents and youth-serving professionals, the total number of Georgians impacted swells to over 1.3 million. This success was achieved through the establishment of 133 new partnerships and dedicated engagement across 80 counties, expanding the organization's footprint into nearly every corner of the state.

"Impact 2025 was more than a plan—it was a promise to Georgia's young people," said Dr. Ronald McNeill, President and CEO of GCAPP. "Together with our partners, communities, and youth leaders, we turned that promise into measurable impact, helping young people build healthier futures and stronger communities."

A Data-Driven Formula for Change

At the core of Impact 2025's success was a meticulous, data-driven approach. GCAPP's 'Formula for Change' strategy guided its efforts, emphasizing a deep understanding of the youth environment, a sharp focus on impact, the use of evidence-based methods, and rigorous tracking of results. This wasn't just about reaching large numbers; it was about creating verifiable change.

One of the most significant outcomes associated with this period of intense focus is a 13 percent reduction in Georgia's teen birth rate between 2021 and 2025. This continues a long-term trend for the organization, which has contributed to a 72% decline in the state's teen birth rate since its founding over 30 years ago. The success of the plan also fueled the organization's own growth, with revenue increasing from $3.7 million in 2020 to over $5 million by 2025, bolstering its capacity to serve Georgia's youth.

This collective approach, uniting educators, healthcare providers, parents, and community leaders, has solidified GCAPP's position as a leading voice in adolescent health. The strategy involved deep collaboration, including joining 15 County Health Collaboratives and Community Action Teams to ensure its programs were tailored to local needs.

Beyond the Numbers: Empowering Voices and Families

While the statistics are impressive, the true measure of GCAPP's impact lies in the individual lives and communities it has transformed. Central to this were several key programs designed to empower youth directly and support the adults in their lives.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a cornerstone of GCAPP's youth-centered approach. Composed of young people aged 14-24, the council acts as a direct line to the issues facing adolescents today. By 2024, the YAC had grown to 68 members across 25 counties, who not only provided invaluable input but also developed their own Youth Action Plans to address wellness gaps in their local communities. The experience has been transformative for its members, fostering leadership skills and confidence. "GCAPP is really good at listening to what teens are saying," one YAC member noted. "This is the first time I've felt someone was listening and my voice was being heard."

Another standout initiative, The Eban Project, focuses specifically on the growth and development of young Black males. During the Impact 2025 period, the project surpassed its enrollment goals, serving 443 young men of color in Macon-Bibb and Clayton counties, providing them with mentorship and support.

GCAPP also recognized the critical role of parents and guardians. The Parent Toolkit, a comprehensive digital resource, was expanded from 44 to 64 modules to help adults navigate difficult but essential conversations with young people on topics ranging from mental health to online safety. The toolkit and associated programs reached over 151,000 parents, equipping them with the tools to foster better communication and support healthy decision-making at home.

Addressing Evolving Needs and Charting the Future

The success of Impact 2025 was set against a backdrop of complex and evolving challenges for Georgia's youth. Mental health has emerged as a top concern, with a 2021 survey of youth-serving professionals highlighting widespread issues like anxiety, depression, and substance use. In response, GCAPP has integrated youth mental health first aid training into its offerings, preparing adults to recognize and respond to signs of distress.

Through its partnership in the Georgia Adolescent Health Alliance, launched in 2021 with organizations like VOX ATL and Georgia Family Connections, GCAPP continues to address the holistic needs of young people, from comprehensive sex education and physical activity to online safety and preventing risky behaviors.

As the organization celebrates its milestone achievements, it is already looking toward the horizon. The next chapter, a new strategic plan titled Healthy Life 2028, is poised to be one of the most ambitious in GCAPP's history. Building on the foundation and lessons of Impact 2025, the new plan will continue the commitment to deepening the organization's impact and improving outcomes for the next generation.

"This work is about more than numbers," Dr. McNeill stated. "It's about creating opportunities for young people to thrive—equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to lead healthy, successful lives." With a proven model for success and a clear vision for the future, GCAPP is set to continue its vital work of empowering Georgia's adolescents to reach their full potential.