virginia department of health

resources for action, curriculum development & youth-focused materials

~ graphic design ~ branding ~ strategy ~ curriculum building ~

Row wavy Shape Decorative svg added to top

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

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.

the 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.

deliverables

Building Cultures of Prevention
Every Choice is a Pathway
Accessibility Starts Here
Sexual Abuse Prevention in Youth Adaptive Sports
Autism Society Support Guide

ready to get your projects done?

Whether it's a social media post or an operations overhaul, we do it all. Let Blue Octopus help you out!