Young people take the lead to reimagine building a society that centers their experiences. By Arianna de la ManchaApril 11, 2024I’m constantly in awe of young people who work collectively to fill the gaps in their sex education experiences. As someone approaching...
We're thrilled to unveil Healthy Teen Network's Innovation Incubator Hub, In/Tend—funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs. We are one of six organizations newly funded to support teams that will develop, refine, and...
Young people—and all of us, really—deserve to live in a world that celebrates and does not stigmatize the topic of menstrual health and human growth. By Sasha Grenier, MPH, CHESDecember 14, 2023This October, I attended the #HealthyTeen23 conference to accept the...
Trans youth—like all young people—deserve to live in a world that affirms and celebrates them for who they are.By Charlie Blue Brahm, MA November 9, 2023It’s been almost four months since the Department of Education in my home state of Virginia released new model...
Thank you for taking care with us at #HealthyTeen23; now let’s work together to take action.By Janet Max, MPH, CHES October 20, 2023As I was drafting my opening remarks for #HealthyTeen23 and reflecting on our conference, I realized this was my 20th conference with...
Get the latest scoop on the Trans Health Equity Act in Maryland and what you can do to show up for the trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive young people—and adults—in your life. By Mariah CowsertAugust 31, 2023While Pride month has already wrapped up this Summer,...
On a scale from mid to stellar, how would the youth you serve rate your clinic's youth-friendliness? By Allison Tomai Felsen August 17, 2023Have you ever walked into a health care facility and felt totally overwhelmed? Or been unsure how to talk to your health care...
Tales from an impromptu poll among friends...and a challenge for you.By Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES August 3, 2023Afew months ago, I was getting ready for a for a sex ed workshop with a group of adults. In preparation, I decided to purchase another anatomical model to...
We need to be mindful of our language to ensure that we’re reaching young people of all genders.By Vanessa GeffrardJuly 13, 2023As health educators, it’s likely that we’ll teach a lesson, or answer questions about, birth control for a classroom full of curious young...
We’re excited to have Monique Davis join our Finance and Operations Department! June 29, 2023We’re excited to have Monique join Dawn, Shanise, and Jenna in our Finance and Operations Department. She will help with crunching the numbers and working with the...
Support your students to feel informed and in control of their health!By Allison Tomai Felsen June 23, 2023As part of its efforts to bring the very best sexual health education to Maryland youth, True You Maryland, a program of the Maryland Department of Health, has...
Learn more—and get resources—about how to create affirming spaces for your students.By Allison Tomai Felsen June 15, 2023The onslaught of attacks on the basic human right for people to exist just continues to be exhausting. Banning books, censoring curricula, banning...
6 Storytelling Lessons Learned while Creating the Casey Young Parents Stories.By Patricia Natalie, MA June 8, 2023When I first joined Healthy Teen Network in March 2022, my first project was to “create stories about young parents that can affect policy change.” Wow, I...
Young parents are usually really motivated to access services...it’s our job to make sure the supports are they and they can access them.By Valerie Sedivy, PhD May 18, 2023In a perfect world, Mother’s Day is a celebration of mothers and all that they do. But for...
There are many myths and misunderstandings about these infections, but one truth remains: people living with STIs can lead healthy, full lives. By Sam Akers, MSWApril 7, 2023 Oftentimes, when people hear “sexually transmitted infections,” their first thoughts are of...
Whether it is crisis hotlines, toolkits, trainings, or support groups, there are ways to get youth connected to mental health resources today.By Mackenzie Piper March 6, 2023Many years ago, I still remember being introduced to a short story titled “Why is Jason in the...
Our Thoughts on Why Sex Ed Matters By Sam AkersFebruary 23, 2023“What do you do?” I was asked by my family when I went home... “Well, I work in sex ed!” *Brace for impact* “and I LOVE what I do, because it matters.” Going home for the holidays can bring...
Happy HPV Prevention Week and Cervical Cancer Prevention Month! Here’s your reminder to treat yourself (and your kids) with protection from HPV and HPV-related cancers!By Mariah CowsertJanuary 27, 2023Irecently went in to get my annual flu shot at the CVS in my...
Resources and information from a recent True You Maryland training to help support the mental health and safety of your students.By Allison Tomai Felsen January 5, 2023Talking about sexuality in the classroom can be awkward! We’ve all been there. But there’s a...
Our role as sex educators has never been more important—or more at risk. December 22, 20222022 has been nothing short of a difficult year for our community of professionals and the incredible young people we serve each and every day. When working through the...
If you are a dog parent, or ever had a loving pet in your life, you already know how responsive they are to our emotions. By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd December 15, 2022As I was passing my pups laying on the couch (spoiled), looking so carefree (except when they...
With so much uncertainty these last few years, we're thankful for our staff and being able to get together in-person again.November 29, 2022We know that these last few years haven't been easy. We've collectively adapted to pandemic life, shifting our work to adapt to...
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, 2022We’re counting down the days to #HealthyTeen22 in Miami. While we may not be...
When looking at sexual and reproductive health access across America, geography matters. And we see rural communities facing bigger gaps in access to services and comprehensive sex education. By Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES August 18, 2022True You Maryland brings...
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, 2022Information that’s as incomplete as...
Our freedom, our rights, are being restricted by a radical minority that does not represent the majority of Americans. By Gina Desiderio June 27, 2022Like many of you, here at Healthy Teen Network, we’re feeling the weight of the Supreme Court decision last week to...
“Every time we point out stigma and name it as unfair, it loses its validity, and in turn, its power.” By Yesi Llerenas Daniel (they/elle) By Maria Peñas (she/her) Educators with Responsible Sex Education Institute June 27, 2022Content Warning: This blog mentions...
I asked our staff what their favorite LGBTQ+ shows and movies are and why they think it’s important that young people see themselves thoughtfully represented in media. By Mariah CowsertJune 14, 2022We believe every young person has the right to live their authentic...
It's more likely than you think.By Sam AkersMay 20, 2022Kids 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 good scroll. Social media provides a platform where people can...
50 years later, we have much to celebrate with Title IX…but we still have a lot of work to support ongoing efforts for strong Title IX protections and enforcement.April 21, 2022"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation...
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