The Challenge

The Virginia Department of Health sought to develop a comprehensive, youth-centered resource and curriculum to support prevention, decision-making, and healthy relationships. The initiative required translating complex public health concepts into accessible, engaging materials for young people, while aligning with statewide prevention goals and agency standards.

The work needed to:

• Balance clarity with sensitivity around difficult topics
• Engage young people in a way that felt relevant and non-institutional
• Be adaptable for use across multiple communities and facilitators
• Maintain alignment with public health frameworks and outcomes

Our Approach

Afton Wildlife Crossing and Corridor Project

Blue Octopus led the development of a cohesive resource and curriculum framework, including:

Curriculum & Content Development

• Structured multi-session curriculum grounded in real-life scenarios and youth voice
• Translated technical public health content into clear, relatable language
• Developed facilitator-friendly materials to support consistent delivery

Design & Materials Development

• Designed engaging, accessible materials including participant workbooks and visual assets
• Created a cohesive visual system that balanced credibility with approachability
• Prioritized readability, usability, and youth-centered design

Strategic Alignment

• Collaborated with VDH stakeholders to ensure alignment with prevention goals and messaging standards
• Integrated feedback from program leaders to refine content and usability
• Built materials flexible enough for diverse implementation settings

Outcome

• Comprehensive, ready-to-implement curriculum and resource toolkit
• Youth-centered materials that support engagement and retention
• Clear, accessible content aligned with statewide public health objectives
• Scalable framework for use across multiple communities and facilitators