Gina Desiderio

Forget Gen Alpha…This Is Gen Sigma

Making the case for teens born between 2007 and 2013 to become the next micro-generation By Gina Desiderio July 19, 2024 What the sigma!? “Gen Alpha” is skibidi ohio toilet! Today’s tweens and teens are “Gen Sigma.” No cap! (For … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Sex Education Is Essential (Sex Ed for All Talking Points)

Together, by advocating in our communities, we can ensure Sex Ed for All. April 16, 2024 As April starts to wind down, and as we look ahead to the start of May on the horizon, we wanted to take a … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Sorry, Alabama, But Declaring It So Doesn’t Make It So. Embryos Are Not Children.

The Alabama ruling is not an outlier. It is what we all expected when we heard about the Dobbs decision. And it’s why we continue to raise alarms now. Because this is a continued, intentional effort to restrict Americans’ freedoms. … Read More

Gina Desiderio

To Be Who They Are. To Live. To Thrive. These Are the Basic Human Rights Denied to Nex Benedict. 

The assault on Nex Benedict was not unprecedented. It was precedented by the hateful rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, pushed through by extremists in Oklahoma, and across the country.  By Gina Desiderio Updated March 14, 2024 The latest update on the cause … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Seeds of Healing: A Community Garden Experience by Thrivology

Seeds of Healing: A Community Garden Experience by Thrivology September 29, 2023 In their modest and unassuming form, seeds encapsulate the potential for transformation and growth. Just as these seeds thrive when nurtured and cared for, so do our intentions, … Read More

Gina Desiderio

What’s Right with You: Applying the Science of Trauma-Informed Care

What’s Right With You: Applying the Science of Trauma-Informed Care September 8, 2023 No one can deny that everyone, regardless of age, geography, or identity, has faced trauma over the last few years. Between the pandemic, political and racial unrest, … Read More

Gina Desiderio

May Is National Sex Ed for All Month (2023)

 Community Leaders, Parents, and Guardians Lend Their Voice to Promote #SexEdForAll May 3, 2023 For Immediate Release B altimore, MD — May is Sex Ed For All Month, a time community leaders, caring adults, and advocates call on local school … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Thrivology Listens and Learns from You to Create Practical Resources Grounded in Research

Gina Desiderio

Get Ready for Our Staff Sessions at #HealthyTeen22

This is only a sneak peak of our incredible line-up of some of our conference sessions; you’ll just have to join us in Miami for #HealthyTeen22 to get the full experience! September 23, 2022 We’re counting down the days to … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Eight Factors to Increase Postsecondary Success among Young Parents in and Aging out of Foster Care

The Practical Application of the Young Parents Logic Model By Gina Desiderio By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP July 22, 2022 Young parents thrive when they have access to quality supports and services. The complicating factor is that these supports and … Read More

Gina Desiderio

What’s Next in the Endless Attack on Our Rights and Freedoms? 

Our freedom, our rights, are being restricted by a radical minority that does not represent the majority of Americans. By Gina Desiderio June 27, 2022 Like many of you, here at Healthy Teen Network, we’re feeling the weight of the … Read More

Gina Desiderio

The Right to Bodily Autonomy Shouldn’t Vary by ZIP Code

Abortion is still legal. And we must fight to keep it that way. By Gina Desiderio May 3, 2022 Bodily autonomy—the right to make decisions about your own body, including decisions about if, when, and how to parent—is a right. … Read More

Gina Desiderio

May Is National Sex Ed for All Month (2022)

 Community Leaders, Parents, and Guardians Lend Their Voice to Promote #SexEdForAll 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 … Read More

Gina Desiderio

“Don’t Say Gay” Bill Means It’s More Important than Ever to Bring #HealthyTeen22 to Florida

Gina Desiderio

Get the Shot(s): HPV Vaccine Resources for Parents

HPV vaccine resources to break down science with humor and honest answers By Gina Desiderio January 20, 2022 When it’s time for their annual physical, the first question my kids ask me is if they have to get a shot. … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Now Available! A Tool You Can Use: The Young Parents Logic Model

Gina Desiderio

Adolescents & the COVID-19 Vaccine

Well visits are a good venue for routine and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as a variety of important screenings and assessments May 19, 2021 With the decline in routine pediatric immunizations and well-child visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthy Teen … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Sexual & Reproductive Health, Rights, & Justice Organizations Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Improve the Health & Well-Being of Young People

All young people deserve access to high-quality sex education and sexual health care 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 … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Too Much and Not Enough

Ginsburg’s death showcases how so many members of Congress and our government branches are failing us.  She was more than enough. They are nowhere near enough.   By Gina Desiderio September 22, 2020 It feels like too much.  Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Healthy Teen Network Joins Over 50 Organizations in Calling for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Education this Pride Month

The Sex Education Collaborative envisions a world in which all young people’s right to comprehensive, high-quality sex education is recognized and fulfilled.  June 22, 2020 For Immediate Release Baltimore, MD — Today, Healthy Teen Network is proud to join over 50 organizations … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Today, we pause…

Racism is a persistent social toxin in our society. The ongoing and disparate impacts of racism demand our attention, now. June 2, 2020 I n recognition of #BlackoutTuesday and in support of #BlackLivesMatter, we are pausing our regular communications. Today, … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Sex Education Collaborative Launches Website with Open Access Training Hub

The Sex Education Collaborative envisions a world in which all young people’s right to comprehensive, high-quality sex education is recognized and fulfilled.  May 21, 2020 For Immediate Release B altimore, MD — As remote learning continues for much of the country, … Read More

Gina Desiderio

This May, and Every Day, We Demand #SexEdForAll! For All Young People. For All Times. For All Places. (2020)

Schools might not be open during the pandemic. This doesn’t mean that students should miss out on comprehensive sex education. By Gina Desiderio May 4, 2020 A global pandemic, mandated stay-at-home orders, and extended periods of being isolated can shine … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Organizations Issue Call to Action for Sex Education (2020)

Gina Desiderio

Professional Development You Can Do While Social Distancing

If you are looking for professional development opportunities, these elearning units are ready and waiting for you. By Gina Desiderio September 22, 2020 Stuck inside? I know, I know…most of us are indeed stuck inside, doing the best we can … Read More

Gina Desiderio

How to Find Housing and Services for Young People Who Are Pregnant or Parenting

We often get questions from young people who are pregnant or parenting, looking for housing and other support services. We do not provide housing or direct services, but we have put together a list of resources that may help young people find … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Education Legislation Will Empower Young People

Introduced during Sex Ed for All Month, education legislation will empower young people with information and access May 16, 2019 For Immediate Release W ashington, DC — Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Groups Launch Sex Ed for All Month (2019)

Gina Desiderio

#HealthyTeen18 #StandingStrong Social Media Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from our 2018 conference. This year, the theme was #StandingStrong. Well, we made it back from San Diego, and we are still in awe of how much fun and learning we shared with our … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Today, I choose to be hopeful.

There were some small wins in this midterm election. They might help us get a little bit close to dismantling the patriarchy and adjusting an imbalance of power. By Gina Desiderio September 28, 2018 Today, I choose to be hopeful. … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Victory In Teen Pregnancy Prevention Case For City of Baltimore, Healthy Teen Network, and Democracy Forward

Judge overturns HHS’s decision to cut grants for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. Three times in one week, Federal Courts have ruled HHS’s cuts to Teen Pregnancy Prevention unlawful. April 26, 2018 For Immediate Release B altimore, MD — Late yesterday afternoon, the … Read More

Gina Desiderio

City of Baltimore, Healthy Teen Network Scheduled to Appear in Federal Court to Fight the Trump Administration’s Unlawful Cuts to Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs

Trump officials slashed grants to evidence-based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs in Baltimore City that helped reduce teen pregnancy rates to all-time low. In attempting to dismiss case, government lawyers do not dispute harm suffered by program grantees. April 18, 2018 … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Lawsuits Filed to Stop Trump’s Rollback of Science-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

Suits come in response to Trump Administration’s arbitrary termination of program that has contributed to dramatic fall in rates of pregnancy among teens. February 15, 2018 For Immediate Release W ashington, DC — Today, nine local government, health care, and oversight organizations … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Huber Appointment to HHS Threatens the Health and Well-Being of Our Nation’s Young People

We join our national colleagues in opposing this appointment. By Gina Desiderio June 9, 2017 A more just and equitable world supports and empowers all young people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. All young people deserve respect, appreciation, and acceptance … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Helping Pregnant and Parenting Teens Find Housing

We compiled these resources that could be useful for young people who are pregnant and experiencing homelessness in the United States. April 18, 2018 In 2002, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the U.S. Department of Justice … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Bricks, Mortar, and Community: The Foundations of Supportive Housing for Pregnant & Parenting Teens

Gina Desiderio

What’s in a Ribbon?

Do we need a ribbon to help support the cause of teen pregnancy prevention and supporting pregnant and parenting teens? Will a pervasive symbol help motivate people to support our cause? By Gina Desiderio February 8, 2012 Last week, the … Read More

Gina Desiderio

Failure to Increase Access to Emergency Contraception a Failure for All

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