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Welcome, Jenna!

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“Not [explicative] normal:” Crafting Group Agreements for Good Colleagues during COVID-19

One year into all-remote work, Allison and Nick reflect on some ground rules they and Healthy Teen Network staff are committing to for working during these strange times. By Allison Tomai Felsen By Nicholas Sufrinko March 17, 2021 Let’s face … Read More

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Love in the Time of COVID

Well, really, relationships, love, and intimacy… By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP February 11, 2021 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 … Read More

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Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Affecting Youth: A Look at What’s Ahead

Newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden has reversed several policy decisions of former President Trump that had curtailed the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls. Bob Reeg, MPA, CVA February 2, 2021 As the saying goes, “elections have consequences.” No … Read More

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Power to Decide Recognized with Youth 360º Innovation Award

Power to Decide is on the forefront of leveraging technology to support young people’s connection to sexual health services. November 16, 2020 Healthy Teen Network is pleased to announce Power to Decide as winner of the 2020 Youth 360º Innovation … Read More

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Sheila VanWert Recognized with Outstanding Former Teen Parent Award

In honor of Sheila’s  dedication to others and using her own life experience to make a difference in the world November 16, 2020 Healthy Teen Network is pleased to announce Sheila VanWert, BSW, MS, as the Outstanding Former Teen Parent Awardee. … Read More

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Sheana Bull, PhD, MPH, Awarded Douglas B. Kirby Adolescent Research of the Year

In honor of Dr. Bull’s tremendous dedication to building and evaluating mobile technologies for multiple and diverse audiences to support health and wellness November 16, 2020 Healthy Teen Network is pleased to announce Sheana Bull, PhD, MPH, as the 2020 … Read More

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It’s Almost Here…#HealthyTeen20

Dating apps, sexting, user-generated media, sex toys powered by AI, viral memes, porn…and so much more. Ready to talk about sexuality in the connected age?  By Janet Max, MPH, CHES By Rhoda Smith, Board Chair Novemeber 13, 2020 Back in 2019 (was … Read More

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Fear and Loathing in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Strange memories on this nervous night near Scranton, in coal-scarred, Appalachian foothills filled with autumn color and political angst By Nicholas Sufrinko November 2, 2020 Strange memories on this nervous night near Scranton. Five years since Obergefell. Four since Election … Read More

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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

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What’s the Deal with Porn?

We know young people are watching porn. But, what are they learning from it? How can sex ed equip young people to make informed decisions about the porn they watch? August 27, 2020 Bring up pornography in any conversation, and … Read More

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Welcome (again!) , Ella

Ella’s approach has always been rooted in understanding how systemic, cultural, and personal factors impact a person’s sexual health. July 24, 2020 W e are delighted to announce the latest addition to the Healthy Teen Network team, Ella Dorval Hall. … Read More

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Legislation to Reauthorize Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Introduced

PAF provides vital support services to empower young parents and their children to thrive. June 26, 2019 For Immediate Release W ashington, DC — Yesterday, July 25, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Robert Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation (S.2296) to reauthorize the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). The … Read More

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Helping LGBTQ+ Youth Navigate COVID-19

While we all try to adjust to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, some young people are disproportionately affected.  By Allison Tomai Felsen July 24, 2020 W ell, here we are. It’s almost August and we’re still battling the COVID-19 … Read More

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Title IX: Protect Your Rights

Young people who are pregnant or parenting face discrimination. By understanding Title IX law, you can help protect your rights. By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd June 23, 2020 D iscrimination against pregnant and parenting students is alive and well…and could be … Read More

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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

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Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Reauthorization Sign-On Letter

PAF provides vital support services to empower young parents and their children to thrive. Updated December 02, 2020 For Immediate Release Dear Member of Congress: The undersigned organizations express our support for the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) and urge Congress … Read More

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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

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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

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What Pandemics Can Teach Us About Food and Eating, and Sexual Activity, Too

Buying food at the store is a risk during a pandemic. Sexual activity can come with risks all the time. Instead of shying away, lets take the practical approach.  By Bob Reeg, MPA, CVA M y first days living during the … Read More

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#HealthyTeen20 Is Going Virtual!

This year, our theme represents a very clear need to understand how our field is reaching those we serve and how teens are using technology to connect to the world around them. Janet Max, MPH, CHES September 22, 2020 J oin … Read More

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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

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

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Coronavirus and the Lack of Access to Abortion

 During the pandemic, many places are deeming abortion a “non essential” service. We know that abortion is essential healthcare. By Minyan Watson-Faulkner April 16, 2020 D uring the COVID-19 crisis, I have heard so many different things around what is … Read More

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Catching Up with Design Vagabonds

This week, Power to Decide featured our staff on their website on the Design Vagabonds Innovation Next Team. March 30, 2020 Now in its fifth year, and with funding from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population … Read More

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Help Young People Make a Game Plan for Their Health with Volt20

We wanted to create a virtual tool that educators and students love. The goal is to help young people create a plan for a healthy future. March 26, 2020 Looking for a way to engage the young people you work … Read More

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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

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Let’s See: Pulse Short-Term Impact Results

Here’s what we found from our six-week short term follow-up survey. By Elizabeth Cook, Research Scientist from Child Trends By Nicholas Sufrinko By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP March 6, 2020 From 2016 to 2019, Child Trends conducted a randomized control … Read More

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Healthy Teen Network Chosen as a Finalist for the Amazon Alexa EdTech Skills Challenge

We are excited to be chosen as a finalist for the Amazon Alexa EdTech Skills Challenge, even though the 2020 SXSW Edu conference has been postponed. By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD February 28, 2020 Update, … Read More

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How the Healthy Teen Network Design Challenge Inspired a Dating App Idea

Hear from some of the participants in Healthy Teen Network’s 3-day Design Challenge. By Tiffany Tibbs Christensen, Taylor Herrigan, Ashley Stewart, and Camille Smith February 13, 2020 What is the Healthy Teen Network Design Challenge? The Healthy Teen Network Design … Read More

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It’s time for sexual health to get a little bit kinky.

Here are some of the things we have learned from having conversations about sexual health with young people. Washington, DC’s premier leather, kink, and fetish event known as “Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL)” concluded last Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend … Read More

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Happy New Legislative Year!

We wanted to update our members and supporters on our priorities when it comes to public policy this year. By Bob Reeg, MPA, CVA January 23, 2020 The new year provides an occasion for Healthy Teen Network to update our … Read More

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By the Numbers: An Infographic about HPV for Parents

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It’s Pride Month! 5 Queer Reads for Allies in Honor of Stonewall’s 50th

For Nick, this short list highlights how the existence of queer people is inherently political and how there is still work to be done. By Nicholas Sufrinko June 5, 2019 This month marks a full half-century since the Stonewall Uprising, … Read More

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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

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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

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

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This Earth Day, Consider a Green Sex Ed

Let’s celebrate this Earth Dat with a green sex ed — a holistic appproach to well-being outcomes in addition to risk reduction. By Nicholas Sufrinko April 22, 2019 I have long maintained that sex education in the United States is too … Read More

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Because Where We Learn Matters

Today is National Healthy Schools Day, sponsored by Healthy Schools Network to raise awareness of issues of environmental health at school. April 2, 2019 Today is National Healthy Schools Day, sponsored by Healthy Schools Network to raise awareness of issues of environmental … Read More

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5 Tips to Help Your Child Set Good Healthcare Habits

The habits we develop when we’re young set the tone for our habits as adults. Preventative healthcare could save a lot of heartache. By Alex Eisler March 14, 2019 The habits we develop when we’re young set the tone for our … Read More

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What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common yet often misunderstood disease. Read more about the cause, the symptoms, the pressing issues, and what we can do. By Allison Tomai Felsen March 8, 2019 Endometriosis, often referred to as “endo,” is a common health … Read More

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Five Quick Tips to an Effective Poster that Tells Your Story

Mila is sharing her five tips on creating effective posters. Time to say goodbye to ugly, unappealing, full of only text posters! Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP February 5, 2019 I want you to imagine walking in an over-air-conditioned, loud, congested room … Read More

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Evidence Is the Building Block of Innovation

How does evidence inform innovation? Healthy Teen Network recently shared our position statement on evidence and innovation. January 17, 2019 We talk a lot about evidence and innovation…or maybe we just hear all the time about how we need to … Read More

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2019 #RJResolutions

Healthy Teen Network joined SisterSong and many others on January 1st for a tweetstorm to talk about our reproductive justice resolutions for this coming year. By Allison Tomai Felsen January 2, 2019 What are your hopes, goals, and vision for … Read More

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Let’s Get Comfortable…the Sex Positive Revolution is Here to Stay

We hope to start learning, talking about, and supporting children who are practicing sex positivity. This past conference, we launched the #HealthyTeen18 Design Challenge, which focused on how we can flip the script and start thinking—and talking—about pleasure, sexuality, and … Read More

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Pat Paluzzi Awarded the Healthy Teen Network #StandingStrong Award

We thank Pat for 15 years of leadership with Healthy Teen Network.  November 8, 2018 Last month, Healthy Teen Network recognized our departing President and CEO, Pat Paluzzi, with the #StandingStrong award at our annual national conference in San Diego. … Read More

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#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

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Must Eats & Treats in San Diego

Here are some must-try restaurants to try when you’re in town for our 2018 San Diego conference. By Shanise Taylor October 12, 2018 Hi-Di-Ho, Neighbors! Your resident Healthy Teen Network Foodie here. If you’re anything like me, when the host … Read More

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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

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Some Thoughts on the P-Word

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