Indianapolis / Indiana / United States
S ocial H ealth A association ( SHA ) is a leader in puberty and life skills education for school children in Central Indiana. The Associations rich history can be traced to 1937 when a group of community leaders formed a committee to fight the growing syphilis epidemic. Then known as the Anti Syphilis League, the organization took its battle directly to the streets of the community, providing counseling and outreach to those considered most at risk of contracting syphilis. O ver time, the name of the organization was changed to Social Health Association of Indiana. The Associations mission was rewritten, with emphasis placed on providing school-based instruction on issues related to Human Growth and Development. I n the early 90s, in response to the HIV pandemic, an HIV/STD program was added to the curricular offerings. Shortly thereafter, a Life Skills component was added, and this track now focuses on prevention of bullying. A s a health education agency, SHA employs only trained and experienced teaching staff. All educators are degreed, have many years of classroom experience and are fully-trained to teach in the area of Human Growth and Development, HIV/STDS, and Life Skills. SHA is proud of two long-standing affiliations. The agency is a 65-year member agency of United Way of Central Indiana, and is an original tenant of the English Foundation Building in downtown Indianapolis, having resided there since 1953.
