Wondering how we're shaping the future of sexual health advocacy? Check out our Youth Advocates program! We're nurturing tomorrow's leaders by empowering young individuals to advocate for sexual health education and policies, effecting real change.

In February, our high school-age Youth Advocates attended the Healthy Futures of Texas 2024 Youth Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol. Teams from San Antonio, Dallas, and Brownsville traveled to Austin for a full day of legislative engagement, where they researched critical sexual health issues, crafted issue papers, practiced advocacy message delivery, and incorporated storytelling from their lived experience.

These young advocates are driving change! Your support develops leaders passionate about improving sexual health outcomes. Together, we're building a world with accessible, inclusive, and empowering sexual health education for all.

Congratulations to the impressive work of these young leaders!

Join us for an impactful discussion on the connection between mental health and sexual health in young Texans. For the first time, the leaders of Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, MetroCare, and Healthy Futures of Texas will come together to shed light on the challenges, drivers, and solutions.

🗓 Monday, March 4th 🕕 12 pm - 1 pm CST

This conversation is not only insightful but also directly relevant to our 9th Annual Student Film Contest prompt. School leaders, educators, parents, and students alike will gain valuable insights from this event to inform and inspire their film submissions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gather crucial information and perspectives to support our young filmmakers in creating impactful films.

Set your calendar alerts and be a part of the conversation! P.S. Two attendees will win an Amazon gift card!

"Teens need access to accurate information about how their bodies work, what healthy relationships are, and how to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs. That's why, at Healthy Futures of Texas, we advocate for young people to have access to the knowledge they need for a lifetime of health." - Evelyn Delgado, President and CEO of Healthy Futures of Texas.

Syphilis during pregnancy can be devastating, leading to infant mortality or long-term disabilities. In Texas, cases tripled from 2016 to 2022, with a 49% increase last year. Alarmingly, 9% of pregnancy-related cases involve teen moms.

For all our Research & Data fanatics and supporters, we bring you Fast Fact Fridays. In our aim to conduct, analyze, and disseminate research and data relevant to sexual health outcomes of youth, every Friday, we post on our social media accounts data on sexual education and research that impacts Texas youth. This month, our Fast Fact Fridays covered alarming trends: syphilis cases, pregnancy rates among foster youth, and concerning statistics on Texas births with late or absent prenatal care. Make sure to follow us @hftexas to learn more and support this initiative.