C
heck out this video blog post, where April and Patricia discuss their shared identities as Southeast Asians, their cultural experiences, and family dynamics, through the lens of the hit movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once that features a predominantly Asian cast, for Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. 

*Tip: If you want to make any jumps in our conversation, we have “chapters” saved in the video:

• 00:00 – Introduction 
• 01:09 – Background on May being AANHPI, MHAM, and Sex Ed for All Month 
• 04:08 – Movie Summary 
• 08:58 – Our Favorite Scenes from the Movie 
• 16:12 – Parents and “The Talk” 
• 21:15 – Language Barriers & Intergenerational Trauma 
• 35:15 – Last Thoughts  

References mentioned in video blog post:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024, April 26). Mental Health Awareness Month | NAMI. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/   
• Huynh, J., Chien, J., Nguyen, A. T., Honda, D., Cho, E. E., Xiong, M., … & Ngo, T. D. (2023). The mental health of Asian American adolescents and young adults amid the rise of anti-Asian racism. Frontiers in public health, 10, 958517. 
• Gilligan, C. (2023, June 13). Asian children least likely to receive mental health treatment: CDC Report | Healthiest Communities Health News | U.S. news. Asian Children Least Likely to Receive Mental Health Treatment, Report Shows. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-06-13/asian-children-least-likely-to-receive-mental-health-treatment-cdc-report 

April “Kayuri” Lat is a Senior Manager for Innovation and Research. As project manager for the In/Tend Incubator Hub, she is dedicated to creating playful safe spaces, both online and offline, that respect young people’s autonomy to dream, fail, and learn together. If they’re not working, you can almost always find April in their studio, producing music, gaming, or crocheting. Read more about April.

Patricia is a curious learner who loves to ask questions and find patterns. If you look closer, you might see a literal light bulb above Patricia’s head when she sees a connection or realizes something in her research. Patricia loves using those insights to co-create changes— big or small— that make the world a better place. Having grown up in three different countries, Patricia sees the world differently and always makes time for travel. In her free time, Patricia can be found browsing offbeat Airbnbs or walking her sweet, black cat on a leash (yep —it’s one of Patricia’s proudest accomplishments). Read more about Patricia.

The post Celebrating AANHPI Month appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

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Like many of you, here at Healthy Teen Network, we’re feeling the weight of the Supreme Court decision last week to overturn Roe v. Wade, despite the overwhelming apolitical support for abortion across the United States.  

Where you live shouldn’t determine your right to bodily autonomy—the right to make decisions about your own body, including decisions about if, when, and how to parent. None of us are free to live our authentic sexuality without bodily autonomy. We feared it with the leaked draft decision, but now we know we are facing a crisis of access. 

We already know that this decision will disproportionately harm Black, Indigenous, and people of color; LGBTQ+ people; youth; and those living at or below the poverty line because of the systemic racism and oppression that result in limited access to sexual and reproductive health services. And of course, we know that limiting legal access to abortion is not an effective means of reducing abortion numbers—universal health care, comprehensive sex ed, access to contraception, and funding for education and social support services are what really make a difference and demonstrate that we as a society value human life. 

But that’s not where we are…and it feels like we just keep moving backward. Beyond access to abortion, there’s been an unprecedented amount of legislation passed to restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Access to comprehensive sex ed varies by ZIP code, and too many young people fail to receive the sexual health information, education, and access to the care they need to live healthy lives. 

 Young people have a right to quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and care. Access to both sex education and health care is essential for them to make decisions about their bodies and relationships, and about pregnancy and parenting. Yes, that means abortion, too.  

The fear I hear repeated—both in my head and in that of my peers—is what’s next? We are not overreacting: our freedom, our rights, are being restricted by a radical minority that does not represent the majority of Americans. For many of us, it feels like we’ve been ringing the alarm since at least November 2016.  

We are not overreacting: our freedom, our rights, are being restricted by a radical minority that does not represent the majority of Americans. 

It does feel disheartening. This is a loss, on top of so many other attacks. But we aren’t giving up. In this moment, you can still… 

• Call on your elected officials to protect the right to safe, legal abortion at state and federal levels. (In February, the Women’s Health Protection Act failed to receive the 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster.) 
• Go to Bans Off Our Bodies, organized by Planned Parenthood, to learn more about the history of access to safe, legal abortion, how our rights are under attack, what’s legal in your state, as well as to find protests and ways to get involved locally. 
• Find and donate to your local abortion fund to support independent, grassroots organizations that provide funding for procedures, abortion pills, transportation, lodging, childcare, doulas, emotional support, or whatever else might be needed in their community. 
• Do your research and donate to organizations actively involved in protecting our right to bodily autonomy, such as In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, NARAL, National Abortion Federation, National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood, SisterSong, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, and the many, many others. 

 But more than that, look beyond abortion, too. Do all of the above for the other human rights and environmental issues most important to you, too. To that end, if you aren’t already, I also encourage you to get involved in your local politics.  

Do you know who’s serving on or running for your school board? For your local town, city, or county government? What are their platforms? Which of them are parroting “parental rights” and looking to further restrict access to sex education or inclusive and affirming education and care for all young people? Who are their major donors, and what are their motivations?

(And if you think you’re safe because you live in a more progressive area, you might be surprised. Extreme groups have a massive organized effort to mobilize a vocal minority.) What local legislation is up next? What school curriculum policies are currently being reviewed? Submit letters and stand up to give testimony for your local government and school boards. 

That vocal minority is doing this, across the country, and they are hurting all of us. My bet is that for most of our readers, you are likely doing all of this and more (AND it’s part of your professional life, too.). So, we ask also that you share these action items with your friends and family who might need a little encouragement to join us. We need our silent majority to not be so silent and join the voices and resistance work many of us have been doing already. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

Gina Desiderio, MA, is Director of Communications for Healthy Teen Network and oversees all of our communications and dissemination. Working here has only sometimes prepared Gina for spontaneous sex-positive conversations with her two young sons. Read more about Gina.

The post What’s Next in the Endless Attack on Our Rights and Freedoms?  appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

May 2, 2022

For Immediate Release

B altimore, MD — May is Sex Ed For All Month, a time parents, guardians, teachers,  community leaders, and advocates call on local school boards, parent-teacher associations, and lawmakers to invest in high-quality sex education that meets the full needs of young people, support sex education programs that promote critical thinking, communication, decision-making, consent, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. 

The vast majority of Republicans and Democrats agree that sex education covering a wide range of topics should be part of school curriculum. Elementary sex education includes discussions on consent, setting boundaries, understanding our bodies, and the variety of ways families are formed. Conversations for middle schoolers are centered on puberty, healthy peer relationships, anti-bullying, and media literacy skills to support a healthy body image. At the high school level, sex education focuses on birth control, safe sex, communication skills, and supporting positive ideas about sex, gender, and race.

“At Healthy Teen Network, we believe every young person has the right to live their authentic sexuality. That means making decisions about their own body and relationships—and feeling good doing it. Decisions about if, when, and how to parent—or not. And the freedom to become who they want to be.

#SexEdForAll is how we can make this a reality, ensuring equitable and accessible sex education for ALL young people nationwide.

Unfortunately, too many young people fail to receive the sexual health information, education, and access to the care they need to lead healthy lives.

Sexual and reproductive health is an essential part of adolescent health and well-being, and we must continue to explicitly call attention to the need–and right–for sex ed for all.”

—Janet Max, MPH, CHES | President & CEO, Healthy Teen Network

Since 2019, May has been recognized as Sex Ed for All Month, as part of a national effort spearheaded by a coalition of sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations committed to ensuring equitable and accessible sex education for all young people.

“Sexual and reproductive health is an essential part of adolescent health and well-being, and we must continue to explicitly call attention to the need–and right–for sex ed for all.” — Janet Max, MPH, CHES | President & CEO

National activities are coordinated by the Sex Education Collaborative—representing 22 national, regional, and state-based organizations with extensive experience training educators to deliver school-based sex education—in collaboration with the federal Sex Education Coalition, as well as other national and regional partners.

Get involved this month by telling us why you believe in Sex Ed for All by following and using the hashtag #SexEdForAll on social media.

Get the Tool KitSign On to #SexEdForAll Principles[et_pb_video play_icon_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”540px” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video]

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Healthy Teen Network promotes better outcomes for adolescents and young adults by advancing social change, cultivating innovation, and strengthening youth-supporting professionals and organizations. Healthy Teen Network is a membership organization nationally recognized for its quality training and technical assistance, integration of evidence-informed and best practices with innovative strategies, and translation of complex research to accessible resources and tools to support professionals.

Follow @HealthyTeen on Twitter.

Contact: Gina Desiderio, Director of Communications

Discover the magic of the Network.

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When it’s time for their annual physical, the first question my kids ask me is if they have to get a shot. It’s been a while since they’ve been due for one of the routine vaccinations, but I do know that one of the next ones on this list is the HPV vaccine. For our family, it’s an obvious answer: a safe and effective vaccine that can protect our boys? Yes, please!

For our family, it’s an obvious answer: a safe and effective vaccine that can protect our boys? Yes, please!

(We were also signed up within the same week the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 5-12. Approval on Tuesday. Shots on Friday. So yes, we’re definitely a “get the shot” family.)

But it’s not always so straightforward right away for all parents. Some parents might have questions or concerns. At Healthy Teen Network, we wanted to learn more about these questions and concerns–and how to answer them and give parents the peace of mind they need to get the HPV vaccination for their children. So we asked parents what they thought about the HPV vaccine.

Through a series of digital focus groups, we listened to parents share their thoughts and feelings about the HPV vaccine. We facilitated group discussions on Facebook, where we asked parents why they didn’t have their children receive the HPV vaccine, and which health messages might move them to action. From there, we partnered with the very talented Blue Seat Studios to help us translate our health messages into a humorous script and ultimately, a short video: HPV: The Sooner the Better for Peace of Mind.

HPV: The Sooner the Better for Peace of Mind is Healthy Teen Network’s campaign, for parents, to promote vaccination among their children. Blue Seat Studios helped translate our health messages into a humorous script. (Also available in Spanish.)

The video, also available in Spanish, answers all parents’ questions about the HPV vaccine. We’ve also got an infographic that breaks it all down, by the numbers.

Want to share? Please do use (and make them your own) our social media graphics and captions.

And if you’re still looking for more HPV resources, we also have a set of similar materials designed for young adults who have not yet received the HPV vaccine…because it’s not too late!

PHOTO CREDIT: Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

Gina Desiderio, MA, is Director of Communications for Healthy Teen Network and oversees all of our communications and dissemination. Working here has only sometimes prepared Gina for spontaneous sex-positive conversations with her two young sons. Read more about Gina.

The post Get the Shot(s): HPV Vaccine Resources for Parents appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

Just in time for back to school, check out these 4 ways to revitalize your sex ed this year!

 

September 15, 2021

To kick off a new school year, the Sex Education Collaborative brings us expert advice from LeKara Simmons, one of the Sex Education Collaborative members, on how to prepare for sex education this fall!

Get the Printable Tip Sheet

Get more resources through the Sex Education Collaborative and Training Hub.

PHOTO CREDIT: airfocus on Unsplash

The Sex Education Collaborative (SEC) envisions and works to support a world in which all young people’s right to comprehensive, high-quality sex education is recognized and fulfilled. This can only be achieved if educators are equipped with the knowledge and training needed to effectively deliver sex education. The SEC is made up of sex education experts who share the common goal to advance and scale K–12 school-based sex education programs across the United States. Healthy Teen Network is proud to be a member of the SEC. Read more about the SEC.

The post Are You Ready to Rock? appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

May 19, 2021

With the decline in routine pediatric immunizations and well-child visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthy Teen Network encourages our members to identify ways to partner with providers and families to help children and adolescents catch up on preventive care. Well visits are a good venue for routine and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as a variety of important screenings and assessments.

We encourage you to utilize every opportunity to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 12 and above, and routine immunizations for all children, adolescents, and young adults.

We encourage you to utilize every opportunity to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 12 and above, and routine immunizations for all children, adolescents, and young adults. In support of routine vaccination, we’ve developed some resources to help educate parents about the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine:

New and Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Last week, the CDC released new and updated resources to support the COVID-19 vaccination program. Below is a summary of the resources, including links.

Information for Parents and Adolescents

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens provides information about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents aged 12 and older, how to find a vaccination provider for adolescents, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
• COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens is a printable fact sheet for parents that explains the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, safety information, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
• Two new FAQs have been posted to address questions about the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.
• Your menstrual cycle cannot be affected by being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine. This Myth-Buster about Menstrual Cycles explains why.
•  It is safe for people who would like to have a baby one day to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This Myth-Buster about Infertility explains why.
• The Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines and About COVID-19 Vaccines webpages have been updated to include the recommendation that adolescents aged 12 and older get vaccinated.
• The COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups webpage has been updated to help the public find information about vaccination for adolescents.

Information for Healthcare and Vaccine Providers

• The Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit provides materials to help healthcare providers give parents clear and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. The toolkit includes answers to common questions, an explanation of how mRNA vaccines work, and printable materials to give to parents.
• FAQs about consent for minors have been posted on the Pfizer-BioNTech product page for providers with information about consent, prescreening questions, and other issues related to the vaccination of minors.
• Healthcare providers can customize and send this sample patient letter to encourage their patients to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It includes the new recommendation that everyone aged 12 and up get a COVID-19 vaccination.
• The Vaccine Recipient Education webpage has been updated to include resources about COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents.

Information for Community Groups and Health Departments

• The Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit has been updated to include information and resources on COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.

PHOTO CREDIT: Marisol Benitez on Unsplash

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe every young person has the right to be who they are and love who they love. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post Adolescents & the COVID-19 Vaccine appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

May 18, 2021

For Immediate Release

Washington, D.C — Today, champions in Congress are introducing the Real Education and Access to Healthy Youth Act of 2021 (REAHYA). The bill, which is led by Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) in the U.S. House and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) in the U.S. Senate, would make essential investments in inclusive and honest sex education programs.

In addition, for young people facing the greatest barriers to sexual health services, the bill would provide funding to help these young people have access to quality and culturally responsive care. Together, these measures will help empower young people to make their own decisions about their bodies and lives. 

“Healthy Teen Network thanks Reps. Lee and Adams and Sens. Hirono and Booker for introducing the Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act. This bill is a critical first step to ensuring that all young people have the access to high-quality sex education they need and deserve to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” explained Janet Max, Healthy Teen Network Interim President and CEO.

The introduction of this legislation coincides with Sex Ed For All Month, a national effort led by a coalition of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice organizations committed to ensuring equitable and accessible sex education for all young people. Throughout May, the coalition pledges to ensure all young people have equitable access to the sex education and sexual health care they deserve. The coalition is particularly focused on ensuring these critical resources are available to all young people, including youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, immigrant youth, young people with disabilities, systems-impacted youth, youth in foster care, youth who have lower incomes and young people who live in rural areas.

“This bill is a critical first step to ensuring that all young people have the access to high-quality sex education they need and deserve to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

— Janet Max

Currently, there is a gap between the access to sex education and sexual health services that young people should be receiving and what they actually receive in the classroom and in their communities. Only 18 states require sex education to be medically accurate, and 35 states require schools to stress abstinence when sex education or HIV/STI instruction is provided.

Get involved this month by telling us why you believe in Sex Ed For All by following and using the hashtag #SexEdForAll on social media. And for professionals wanting to join the celebration, get the Tool Kit with prepared content for sharing—graphics, social media posts, and more.

The legislation introduced today complements the work underway for #SexEdForAll Month by supporting medically accurate and culturally responsive sex education and sexual health care, and it will also help to provide the agency and support young people need to achieve positive outcomes for themselves.

Healthy Teen Network joins the members of the Sex Ed For All Month coalition to urge Congress to pass this legislation, so that all young people—no matter who they are and where they live—receive the information and care they need to achieve their goals and live their lives on their terms.

Get the Tool Kit

PHOTO CREDIT: NeONBRAND on Unsplash

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Healthy Teen Network promotes better outcomes for adolescents and young adults by advancing social change, cultivating innovation, and strengthening youth-supporting professionals and organizations. Healthy Teen Network is a membership organization nationally recognized for its quality training and technical assistance, integration of evidence-informed and best practices with innovative strategies, and translation of complex research to accessible resources and tools to support professionals.

Follow @HealthyTeen on Twitter.

Contact: Gina Desiderio, Director of Communications

The post Sexual & Reproductive Health, Rights, & Justice Organizations Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Improve the Health & Well-Being of Young People appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

Worldwide, the pandemic has brought unexpected changes in the ways in which we work, learn, play, and love. I feel that in many ways, I am experiencing a pandemic-induced hesitation.

Actions that before seemed to be second nature or daily routines now require much more thought and planning. The simple act of greeting people is now a process that requires thought and calculation.

For me, coming from a country where we customarily kiss and hug anybody that we greet, having to simply bump elbow or say hello while taking a couple of steps back is simply “unnatural.”

Masks, an attire that I only wear while working in the hospital, has now become my number one accessory. These days, most of us will not dare to leave home without it. Some have embraced it to the point of having different types for different outfits and endeavors.

It’s been a year since I took a trip overseas. I was used to taking at least three visits a year to another continent to see family and friends. The only deterrent from me traveling was always money and time off.

Now, measuring the risk of going on a trip is my number one concern. I think about traveling every month and attempt to plan, but the hesitation takes over.

Many things have changed in our lives suddenly. The pandemic has made us think about closeness and separation in new ways. Being cooped up with family or alone for long periods of time has made us think about our boundaries and solitude.

This process might have been a blessing for some, or a traumatizing experience for others. Some of us may be experiencing a greater sense of loss than before, or we may have to think about loss in ways that we didn’t before.

Losing love ones, losing our hobbies, losing our financial stability, losing our routines, all to a point that makes us grieve. Financial insecurity, social isolation, fear of getting sick and making others sick…the list goes on and on.

But not everything is so dismal.

The pandemic has forced us to be creative; many of us have changed some of our habits and behaviors for good. Many of us are spending more time outdoors or experiencing nature more; some of us started exercising more frequently and changing our diet. Maybe we spend less time driving in our cars and more time playing with our kids. We have learned who “our people” are, truly.

We have learned who “our people” are, truly.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I cannot help but wonder, in a time where isolation is inevitable, aren’t relationships more important than ever? Can we still build intimacy in a world of social distancing? Can we make connections to potential lovers only through virtual platforms? Can we feel closer to somebody even if we don’t see them face-to-face? Can we fall in love even if we have never hold hands?

I’m sure these thoughts are on many of our minds…we asked young people to share their thoughts on love, relationships, and intimacy in the time of COVID. 

The result is COVID Love* Stories, our nationwide campaign that gathers and shares young people’s stories of love and intimacy during the global pandemic.

Here are just a sample of the stories we heard: 

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We created this campaign to support adolescent development in this unprecedented time by promoting real, tangible ways youth and young adults can begin, build, maintain, and even end intimate relationships while physically distanced.

We believe in keeping youth at the center of our work, so the campaign is built around their real, unfiltered stories. As part of the campaign, so far, approximately ninety 14- to 24-year-olds shared with us their most hilarious, devastating, awkward, frustrating, and fun moments.

The stories are real and unfiltered, straight from the young people.

COVID Love* Stories is available now on our Instagram channel, @HealthyTeenNetwork. Check them out.

Follow along with these stories and more on our Instagram channel, @HealthyTeenNetwork. 

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe that every young person has a right to live their authentic sexuality. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post Love in the Time of COVID appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.