We are excited to have Celease Jordan join our Capacity Building Department! January 2, 2025 At Healthy Teen Network, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our team. We’re thrilled to introduce Celease, our new Program Manager, who … Read More
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Say Hello to Megan, Our New Communications Designer
We are excited to have Megan Thomas join our Communications Department! January 2, 2025 We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Thomas as the newest member of our Communications Department! Joining Gina, Allison, Nick, and Arianna, Megan brings nearly a decade of … Read More
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This Is Our Healthy Teen Network 2024 Wrapped
Every year, we’re making a difference—one resource, one conversation, and one connection at a time. Arianna de la Mancha December 19, 2024 As 2024 ends, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the milestones, growth, and impact we’ve achieved together this … Read More
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The Power of Failure in Innovation
Failure is the beginning of a new path toward discovery, creativity, and innovation Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP December 19, 2024 When I was starting my professional life, I had the opportunity to work at a company that was preparing thoughtful, … Read More
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There’s Still Time for Biden to Sign the ERA and Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sex
There’s little over a month left for Biden to take action to ensure gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution. Mimi Jacobie Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES Gina Desiderio, MA December 12, 2024 Tuesday, December 10, Congresswoman Cori Bush held a … Read More
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Meeting Students Where They Are: How HBCUs are Advancing Sexual Health and Wellness
An inclusive, trauma-informed approach to student health benefits everyone. Asha Puri December 5, 2024 A s a sophomore at Howard University, one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), I have witnessed firsthand how our college campus … Read More
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Opportunity: Associate Director
Seeking a full-time Associate Director to lead a major federally funded project, support department initiatives, and develop high-quality resources for adolescent sexual and reproductive health through strategic leadership and collaboration. November 14, 2024 Healthy Teen Network is seeking a full-time … Read More
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We’re All Needed in the Fight to Protect Trans Young People
This Transgender Day of Remembrance, let’s honor those we’ve lost and redouble our commitments to giving trans young people the affirming support and care they need to thrive. Charlie Blue Brahm, MA November 14, 2024 Immediately following Transgender Awareness Week, … Read More
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Meet the #HealthyTeen24 Shining Stars
Join us in honoring our exceptional 2024 Awardees—Lolita Smith-Moore, Dr. Asari Offiong, and Mandie Fleming—for their remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication young people. October 31, 2024 E ach year, Healthy Teen Network recognizes individuals and organizations for their achievements in … Read More
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The Invisible Struggle: Hidden Disabilities and the Challenges of Being a Woman of Color in Leadership
To create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all, the systems we operate within must recognize and support us as whole individuals with diverse needs and experiences. Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP October 3, 2024 T here’s an invisible battle many … Read More
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Giving Menstrual Health More Airtime
We should all be working to combat the stigma and normalize talking about menstruation in an inclusive and affirming way By Caro Hernandez October 3, 2024 F or people who menstruate, this change can bring up all kinds of feelings, … Read More
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Decoding Sexual & Reproductive Health: The Language of Policy
Quick tips on how to navigate elections and make sure you vote in alignment with your values By Lilith Breazeale By JB Rodriguez-Anello October 22, 2024 S ince the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, there have been numerous … Read More
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Building Connections at #HealthyTeen24
Join us for the BIPOC Connect and Queer Connect—two vibrant spaces celebrating identity, creativity, and community through art, conversation, and fun. By Arianna de la Mancha October 17, 2024 A t #HealthyTeen24, we believe in the power of meaningful conversations … Read More
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If You Really Want to Help Students Who Are Pregnant…
The Pregnant Students Rights Act stigmatizes, restricts, and shames people’s choices. By Patti Flowers By Mackenzie Flynn May 28, 2024 W e’ve been paying attention to The Pregnant Student Rights Act (H.R.6914/S.2974), which Congress is currently considering. When it comes … Read More
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Get Ready to Reimagine Your Work at #HealthyTeen24
Get a sneak peak at this year’s featured speakers and sessions By Arianna de la Mancha September 16, 2024 W ith just two months to go until #HealthyTeen24, excitement is building! We can’t wait to reconnect with familiar faces and … Read More
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Is There Such a Thing as “Good English”?
Why plain language matters more than “perfect” English. By Patricia Natalie, MA September 9, 2024 I often hear the praise—”Your English is so good!”—when people find out that I’m an immigrant who speaks English as a second language. Sometimes, they … Read More
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Connecting the Dots: How Environmentalism Shapes Adolescent Health
Understanding the vital link between social determinants of health and environmental justice By Angela Zhong August 29, 2024 Growing up in a city economically tethered to the WTI oil price, I dismissed natural disasters and environmental health concerns as part … Read More
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Our Must-Haves for Working Remotely
Cue the music, *these are a few of my favorite things!* By Sam Akers August 22, 2024 As of August 2023, 1 in 5 workers were working remotely. People love telework for a lot of different reasons! I’ve been working … Read More
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Out and About in Phoenix for #HealthyTeen24
Get the scoop on what to add to your must see, eat, and do while you’re in Phoenix for the Healthy Teen Network annual national conference. By Shanise Taylor August 12, 2024 When Phoenix, Arizona, was announced as the host … Read More
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You Just Found Out Your Teen Is Having Sex. Now What?
Our staff share insights on the importance of sex ed, access to services, and how to be an askable adult. August 8, 2024 In a new article from HuffPost, Ellen Friedrichs—a health and sexuality educator—talks about how parents and caregivers … Read More
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Grab & Go Birth Control: The Opill Revolution
Over-the-counter birth control is a game changer but it’s up to all of us to make sure access remains unrestricted for everyone. By Lilith Breazeale By Mandy Williams By Deb Coffy August 6, 2024 Thrivology Youth Leaders is a diverse … Read More
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The Youth Behind Thrivology
Meet the Thrivology Youth Leaders! JB Rodriguez-Anello July 30, 2024 As a young person myself, I know how often we are left out of conversations about our own health and well-being. This is especially true for marginalized youth, like BIPOC … Read More
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Forget Gen Alpha…This Is Gen Sigma
Making the case for teens born between 2007 and 2013 to become the next micro-generation By Gina Desiderio July 19, 2024 What the sigma!? “Gen Alpha” is skibidi ohio toilet! Today’s tweens and teens are “Gen Sigma.” No cap! (For … Read More
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“Add-On” to Your Experience at #HealthyTeen24
These limited-capacity training sessions allow you to dig deeper into specific topics, gain new tools, and enhance your professional skills By Arianna de la Mancha July 11,2024 If you’ve been following our recent national annual conference promotion, you might be … Read More
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Power Through Choices Training-of-Facilitators
June 9-12, 2025 Join us for a LIVE VIRTUAL training-of-facilitators on Power Through Choices! This training will prepare you to deliver the Power Through Choices program face-to-face with youth. Cost: FREE with the purchase of the Power Through Choices curriculum. Each attendee must … Read More
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Trauma-Informed Needs to Be the Rule, Not the Exception
Finding the right health care provider feels a lot like dating—trial and error, dealbreakers, and all. But after my recent experience, I’ve realized that trauma-informed care is a non-negotiable. Here’s how to find a provider who truly listens and supports … Read More
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Have Fun, Be Safe: A Provider’s Guide to Supporting Young People with Multiple Sexual Partners
Approach these conversations in a way that is affirming, inclusive, and nonjudgmental. By Charlie Blue Brahm, MA June 28, 2024 The stigmatization that exists culturally around having multiple sexual or romantic partners makes it all the more important for youth-supporting … Read More
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In/Tend Incubator Hub Office Hours
Are you passionate about making positive change in adolescent sexual and reproductive health? Interested in digging deep into the world of human-centered design to address real-world challenges? If this sounds like something you’d like to do, then we have an … Read More
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From Seeds to Solutions: Innovation Blooms at Sprout
Learn about the ideas that bloomed at Sprout: A Design Challenge and explore the process that nourished creativity, with insights from an attendee. By Emily (Skywark) Connor By Deb Coffy June 13, 2024 For four days in May, seven teams, … Read More
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How Well Do You REALLY Understand Human Reproduction?
Sex => Babies. Or is there more to the story? By Rachel H.S. Ginocchio, MPH June 6, 2024 For eons, we’ve been explaining human reproduction the same way: babies are the result of sex (more specifically, penis-in-vagina sex). But, … Read More
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Celebrating AANHPI Month
Cultural Experiences, Shared Identities, and Everything, Everywhere, All At Once By April “Kayuri” Lat, MS MPP By Patricia Natalie, MA May 28, 2024 C heck out this video blog post, where April and Patricia discuss their shared identities as Southeast … Read More
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The Not-So-Top-Secret Mission to Improve Adolescent Health Outcomes
Dive deep into county-level data to identify factors contributing to the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of young people in your community! By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd May 16, 2024 Here is your mission, should you choose to accept it: Dive … Read More
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So You Want to Be a Sex Educator: Wisdom and Advice from our Staff
Hear from a few Healthy Teen Network staff on how they got to this field and their advice for folks on this journey. By Sam Akers, MSW May 9, 2024 When you think of a sex educator, who do you … Read More
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Welcome, Jen!
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Save the Date! May Is Sex Ed for All Month!
Each May since 2019, Sex Ed for All Month is an opportunity to voice our shared commitment to a world where all young people get equitable access to the education and care they deserve. April 18, 2024 The seasons are … Read More
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Sex Education Is Essential (Sex Ed for All Talking Points)
Together, by advocating in our communities, we can ensure Sex Ed for All. April 16, 2024 As April starts to wind down, and as we look ahead to the start of May on the horizon, we wanted to take a … Read More
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5 Queer Sex Ed Resources by and for Young People
Young people take the lead to reimagine building a society that centers their experiences. By Arianna de la Mancha April 11, 2024 I’m constantly in awe of young people who work collectively to fill the gaps in their sex education … Read More
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How to Masturbate: Everything You Need to Know About Self Pleasure
Two Healthy Teen Network team members shared tips for self-pleasure in the queer online publication, them. April 4, 2024 We’re excited to share a new article from them that features two of our team members, Arianna and Caro, with tips … Read More
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Welcome, Dai!
We’re excited to have Dai Danhi join our Innovation and Research Department! March 28, 2024 We’re excited to have Dejia “Dai” Danhi join Milagros, April, Bianca, Charlie Blue, Emily, Jenn, Kaitlyn, and Patricia in our Innovation and Research department, as … Read More
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Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program’s Adolescent Sexual Health Innovation Hubs Showcase
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 … Read More
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How We Can Better Support Young People Aging out of Foster Care
Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people aging out of care. Our contributions will be unique, as our abilities and resources can vary. However, there is always something that we can do. By … Read More
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Sorry, Alabama, But Declaring It So Doesn’t Make It So. Embryos Are Not Children.
The Alabama ruling is not an outlier. It is what we all expected when we heard about the Dobbs decision. And it’s why we continue to raise alarms now. Because this is a continued, intentional effort to restrict Americans’ freedoms. … Read More
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Welcome, Emily!
We’re excited to have Emily Rose Connor join our Innovation and Research Department February 22, 2024 We’re excited to have Emily Rose Connor join Milagros, April, Bianca, Charlie Blue, Dai, Kaitlyn, and Patricia in our Innovation and Research department as … Read More
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Quick Tips for Effective Presentations
From TED Talk-style presentations to panel discussions and more, we’re grateful to have had such amazing presenters at Heathy Teen Network conferences over the years! PHOTO CREDIT: Gina Desiderio at Healthy Teen Network When facilitating your presentation: Keep it fun! Same … Read More
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Welcome, April!
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Stay in the Loop with our Shareable National Observances Calendar
Stay up to date with our 2024 adolescent health national observances Google calendar! By Mariah Cowsert January 25, 2024 When I first started working at Healthy Teen Network—now 3 years ago, almost to the day!—and started creating content for our … Read More