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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
“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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
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
Staff
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
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
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
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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