Staff

Where the Wild Things Are: 5 Reasons to Embrace the Playful, Outrageous, and Make-Believe at Work

Why a fun, outside-of-the-box scheme might be just what your brand, product, or campaign needs. “That very night in Max’s room a forest grew and grew—and grew until his ceiling hung with vines and the walls became the world all … Read More

Staff

Picture it, Miami 2022.

Check out the sights and bites on our Must-Do list while we’re at #HealthyTeen22. By Shanise Taylor October 3, 2022 Miami is not only the setting for one of pop culture’s favorite television shows, Golden Girls; it’s also the setting … Read More

Staff

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

Staff

I Have Monkeypox—Here’s Where I’m Getting the Public Health Information I Need

Finding affirming, sex-positive, complete, and up-to-date information on monkeypox isn’t easy. Here’s a story about some of my sources, expected and unexpected, and the power of queer friendship. By Nicholas Sufrinko August 11, 2022 Information that’s as incomplete as it … Read More

Staff

Don’t Feed the Trolls

But if you feel you have to respond, be polite and stick to the facts. By Allison Tomai Felsen August 4, 2022 Ever heard the expression “don’t feed the trolls?” Maybe it was in a news article about the rise … Read More

Staff

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

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Navigating Sexuality + Faith for Better Sex Ed

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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

Staff

How Youth Development Professionals Might Want to Address “Parent Rights”

Perhaps these rebuttals to central themes in the “parent rights” movement will be useful to you By Bob Reeg, MPA, CVA May 26, 2022 (To be clear, I am not assailing the rights of parent’s writ large. This is a … Read More

Staff

Sex Ed? On TikTok?

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

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

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

Staff

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

Staff

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

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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

Staff

3 Instagram Accounts to Follow to Learn about Reproductive Justice

Social media can be more than algorithms and explore pages—it can be a spring board into action, a connecting place for activists, and a place for inspiration and growth.   By Sam Akers February 3, 2022 As a Gen Z’er who … Read More

Staff

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

Staff

Essential Tips You Need to Teach LGBTQ+-Inclusive Sex Ed

All students deserve to learn in an inclusive and affirming space. By Allison Tomai Felsen December 9, 2021 Did you know that out of the 29 states that require sex ed to be taught in school, only 17 states require … Read More

Staff

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

Staff

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

Staff

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

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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

Staff

Let’s Be End-User Centered

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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

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

Welcome, Jenna!

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

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