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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Jen!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, April!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
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
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Bianca!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Why all Menstruating Students Deserve Dignified Self-Care
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, CHES December 14, 2023 This October, I attended the #HealthyTeen23 conference … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
So Long, Farewell!
EDITOR’S NOTE: The length of this post is in violation of my “cut-to-the-chase” standard. Apologies in advance. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD December 4, 2023 With much joy but also much sadness, last week, we gave our warmest wishes to our … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Jerrica!
We’re excited to have Jerrica Davis join our Capacity Building department! December 1, 2023 Jerrica Davis, MPH, is a passionate public health professional with a commitment to improving the health and well-being of all adolescents through equity- and reproductive justice-centered … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Anti-Trans and Anti-LGBTQ Policies Threaten the Safety and Well-Being of Young People
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, 2023 It’s been almost four months since the Department of Education in my home … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Starting with Safe Spaces: The Value of Community Agreements
Starting with Safe Spaces: The Value of Community Agreements Patricia and Kaitlyn explore the significance of community agreements in fostering safe, inclusive spaces for youth-supporting professionals and the young people they serve. October 26, 2023 With Thrivology, creating trauma-informed and … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Taking Care of Each Other at #HealthyTeen23
Thank you for taking care with us at #HealthyTeen23; now let’s work together to take action. By Janet Max, MPH, CHES October 20, 2023 As I was drafting my opening remarks for #HealthyTeen23 and reflecting on our conference, I realized … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Seeds of Healing: A Community Garden Experience by Thrivology
Seeds of Healing: A Community Garden Experience by Thrivology September 29, 2023 In their modest and unassuming form, seeds encapsulate the potential for transformation and growth. Just as these seeds thrive when nurtured and cared for, so do our intentions, … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Caro!
We’re excited to have Caro Hernandez join our Capacity Building department! September 29, 2023 We’re excited to have Caro Hernandez join Deb, Valerie, Sam, and Mackenzie in our Capacity Building department as a Project Coordinator. Caro brings nearly a decade … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Arianna!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Menstrual Dignity for Students Program to Receive 2023 Healthy Teen Network #StandingStrong Award
In recognition of the Program’s efforts to ensure all menstruating students have the opportunity for safe, dignified self-care September 13, 2023 Our nation’s young people face continued and escalating attacks on their sexual and reproductive health rights, driven by ideology … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Marlen Ramirez to Receive 2023 Healthy Teen Network Outstanding Former Young Parent Award
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Raphael House of Portland to Receive 2023 Healthy Teen Network Innovation Award
Raphael House of Portland engages their entire community in non-violent living through advocacy, education, and community outreach, and by providing a safe haven from domestic violence. September 13, 2023 The Innovation Award is near and dear to our hearts because … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
What’s Right with You: Applying the Science of Trauma-Informed Care
What’s Right With You: Applying the Science of Trauma-Informed Care September 8, 2023 No one can deny that everyone, regardless of age, geography, or identity, has faced trauma over the last few years. Between the pandemic, political and racial unrest, … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Healthy Teen Network Awarded Innovation Grant
Through the Incubator Innovation Hub, teams will build their innovation capacity to create new solutions and approaches for adolescent health. September 1, 2023 For Immediate Release Baltimore, MD — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Protecting Transgender Youth and Young Adults in Maryland
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 Cowsert August 31, 2023 While Pride month … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
How Youth-Friendly is Your Clinic?
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, 2023 Have you ever walked into a health care facility and felt totally overwhelmed? Or been unsure … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Journey with Us to Take Care and Take Action at #HealthyTeen23
This line-up will cultivate healing and inspire and renew us in our work. We can’t wait for #HealthyTeen23! August 10, 2023 We are about 2 months away from heading to Portland for our annual conference. We are excited to see … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
A Mind Flayer from Stranger Things? The Brooms from Fantasia?! No, Friends…It’s the Clitoris!
Tales from an impromptu poll among friends…and a challenge for you. By Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES August 3, 2023 Afew months ago, I was getting ready for a for a sex ed workshop with a group of adults. In preparation, … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Our Culture of Innovation
We push the boundaries of imagination to develop innovative approaches to adolescent health. This is how we create the space to do it. By Kaitlyn LaBonte, LMSW By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP August 1, 2023 We live in a world … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Taking Time to Smell the Roses at #HealthyTeen23
From art and eats to the International Rose Test Garden, there’s plenty to explore in Portland! By Shanise Taylor July 24, 2023 Pack your bags and goods because we’re hitting the trail! The Oregon Trail! No, not really, but if … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Let’s Talk Inclusivity… in Birth Control!
We need to be mindful of our language to ensure that we’re reaching young people of all genders. By Vanessa Geffrard July 13, 2023 As health educators, it’s likely that we’ll teach a lesson, or answer questions about, birth control … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Monique!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Give Your Contraceptive Lessons a Refresh
Support your students to feel informed and in control of their health! By Allison Tomai Felsen June 23, 2023 As part of its efforts to bring the very best sexual health education to Maryland youth, True You Maryland, a program … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Charlie Blue!
We’re excited to have Charlie Blue Brahm join our Innovation & Research Department! June 22, 2023 We’re excited to have Charlie Blue join Mila, Nick, Patricia, and Kaitlyn in our Innovation and Research department as a Design Researcher. Before … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Elevate Your Experience at #HealthyTeen23
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
How to Use Storytelling as a Vehicle for Social Change
6 Storytelling Lessons Learned while Creating the Casey Young Parents Stories. By Patricia Natalie, MA June 8, 2023 When I first joined Healthy Teen Network in March 2022, my first project was to “create stories about young parents that can … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
That Just Gave Me Goosebumps! The Artistry Behind an Immersive, Emotional Encounter with Banned Books
Nick and Patricia chat about creating an experiential art installation that transported conference-goers into a world of forbidden literature and reveal how you can be part of efforts this year By Nicholas Sufrinko By Patricia Natalie, MA June 6, 2023 … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Offering the “Right Support” for Young Parents
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, 2023 In a perfect world, Mother’s Day is a celebration of … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Welcome, Kaitlyn!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
May Is National Sex Ed for All Month (2023)
Community Leaders, Parents, and Guardians Lend Their Voice to Promote #SexEdForAll May 3, 2023 For Immediate Release B altimore, MD — May is Sex Ed For All Month, a time community leaders, caring adults, and advocates call on local school … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
STI Stigma Be Gone!
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Traveling to Portland for #HealthyTeen23? Start Planning Now
Getting to the west coast can be tricky, but luckily, I have some tips from my recent visit to share (especially for my fellow East Coast folks)! By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd March 30, 2023 So, you want to come to … Read More
Author Archives: Mariah Cowsert
Beyond Sexual & Reproductive Health: Linking Young People to Mental Health Resources
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, MPH, CHES March 6, 2023 Many years ago, I still remember being introduced to a … Read More