Princeton Half Marathon Raises Awareness, Funds for Adolescent Health Services
When more than 1,000 runners hit the streets of Princeton Sunday for the Princeton Half Marathon, they will be racing to raise awareness and funds for HiTOPS, the Princeton-based adolescent health and education center.
For 25 years, the nonprofit located on Wiggins Street has helped children, young adults and families achieve healthy lifestyles through risk-prevention education and intervention.
HiTOPS’ ultimate goal is healthy, responsible and empowered young people who make health-enhancing choices and avoid long-term negative health outcomes. HiTOPS is on the front line of protecting young people’s health and well-being.
The nonprofit provides affordable and accessible healthcare to youth, 13 to 26 years of age, with primary emphasis on serving people ages 18 to 26. To reduce any barriers to care, HiTOPS is working to increase the number of mobile medical sites, especially to serve the most vulnerable, highest risk individuals. The agency also trains high school seniors to implement peer to peer education.
Founded by nurse practitioners and health educators, HiTOPS’ expertise is in providing risk reduction education and health promotion to youth. HiTOPS values prevention as a cost-effective health strategy. Towards that end, HiTOPS engages youth in their own healthcare—each appointment taking as long as needed to discuss all concerns and questions.
Clients are never turned away for an inability to pay.
To learn more about HiTOPS or to make a donation, visit the HiTOPS website.
The Princeton Half Marathon kicks off Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. A medal ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the “Victory Village” on Hinds Plaza, where there will be music and entertainment.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.