It’s more likely than you think. By Sam Akers May 20, 2022 Kids these days are all about TikTok, and I’ll admit it, I’m into it too! From watching morning routines to dances to Lizzo’s newest song, I love a … Read More
Staff
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
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Welcome, Patricia!
We’re excited to have Patricia Natalie join Mila and Nick in our Innovation & Research department. April 7, 2022 Patricia Natalie is a curious learner who loves to ask questions and find patterns. If you look closer, you might think … Read More
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Would you like FRIES with that?
Sexting and digital consent are important topics to discuss with young people By Allison Tomai Felsen February 17, 2022 A study published in 2018 by JAMA Pediatrics found that sexting is becoming a more common practice among youth: about 1 … Read More
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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
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Reflections on #HealthyTeen21
We encourage you to think about what fills your cup and how we can reset the balance in order to show up for our young people. By Janet Max, MPH, CHES October 28, 2021 We were so happy to have … Read More
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Brand Voice: The Make-or-Break Secret for Crafting Health Information that Inspires
How you say it matters now more than ever. By Nicholas Sufrinko October 1, 2021 It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it—an adage said a zillion times over. And yet today, it’s one that’s felt with … Read More
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Can We All Use Human-Centered Design?
Part two of our series on why using human-centered design can help us create better resources, programs, and services. By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP July 29, 2021 A lmost 15 years ago, when I took my first Human-Centered Design (HCD) … Read More
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Welcome, Sydney!
Sydney brings five years of experience in comprehensive communications, digital fundraising, and project management and has served a wide spectrum of mission-focused organizations across the U.S. June 21, 2021 We are thrilled to announce that Sydney Keiler has joined Gina, … Read More
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Healthy Teen Network Welcomes Janet Max as President and CEO
With over 16 years of commitment to the organization, Janet brings both experience and dedication to the role. June 17, 2021 For Immediate Release B altimore, MD—It is with great pride that Healthy Teen Network announces our new President and … Read More
Staff
I’m Just a Bill: The Untold Story
I’m Just a Bill covers how a legislative bill makes its way to law. As a public policy advocacy practitioner for over 30 years, let me just say that how a bill becomes a law is more complicated than the … Read More
Staff
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
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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
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Zooming, No Contact Deliveries, and Food Bank Drive-Throughs: Engaging Young Parents (and Parents-to-Be!) During A Pandemic
An inside look at how some of our members leveraged partnerships & personal & professional growth when facing the challenges of pandemic life By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd May 8, 2021 We’ve heard from the CDC, Dr. Fauci, and just last … Read More
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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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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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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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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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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
Staff
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
Staff
#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
Staff
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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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
Staff
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
Staff
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