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transforming youth health in the RGV

Key Takeaways from the Annual South Texas Summit

On September 26 and 27, Healthy Futures of Texas hosted the [7th Annual South Texas Adolescent Health Summit]([link removed]) in Mission, TX, gathering 100 participants for two impactful days focused on closing critical gaps in adolescent health knowledge among youth and parents in the Rio Grande Valley. Local community speakers highlighted the urgency of this issue, especially given that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen births in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties are 50% above the Texas average as of 2023. This underscores the pressing need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in our communities.

We extend our gratitude to our main partner, UT Teen Health, and generous sponsors—Methodist Healthcare Ministries, DHR Health, Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, and H-E-B—whose support made this event successful. The Summit also received valuable media attention, broadening our mission's reach and highlighting the urgent need for improved adolescent health in the Rio Grande Valley. Explore the coverage [here]([link removed]): [ValleyCentral]([link removed]) and [Fox RGV]([link removed]).

Together, we’re creating a brighter future for the youth of the Rio Grande Valley by providing essential knowledge and resources for their health and well-being.

new insights on teen birth rates

In 2022, Texas saw its first increase in the teen birth rate in 15 years. However, new data for 2023 just released by the CDC show that the Texas teen birth rate is once again on a decline. The 2023 teen birth rate was a historic low of 19.4 per 1,000, meaning that 1.94% of Texas teens gave birth that year, down 5% from 20.4 per 1,000 the year prior. There were 20,856 births to teens aged 15-19, down by 481 from the year prior. However, births to girls aged 10-14 increased by 6%, to 287. Texas continues to have the 8th highest teen birth rate in the nation, and the 3rd highest rate of repeat teen birth.

youth advocates: sex ed boot camp

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The Sex Ed Boot Camp (SEBC) is a unique opportunity for our Youth Advocate (YA) members, featuring an enriching 8-hour day filled with education, team bonding, and fun! Designed to provide foundational sexual health knowledge, SEBC covers essential topics such as Reproductive Health, Consent, Boundaries, STIs and Prevention, Menstruation, and more. This impactful event takes place across all three regions of our Youth Advocates program—San Antonio, Brownsville, and Dallas. These sessions are vital in empowering our YA members with the knowledge they need to lead their communities in sexual health education!

advocacy update: legislative support

Healthy Futures submitted written testimony in support of sex education at a recent Senate Education interim hearing, in which lawmakers address priorities for the coming legislative session which starts next January. We anticipate a challenging environment for health education, so community advocacy is all the more important. [Sign up]([link removed]) for our advocacy alerts to stay informed about opportunities to engage.

enhancing parent engagement

In September, Healthy Futures of Texas participated in a conceptual model workshop at [The Policy and Research Group]([link removed]) as part of [TISH]([link removed]), a [series of innovation hubs]([link removed]) launched by the Office of Population Affairs. TISH supports organizations in enhancing the effectiveness of their programs.

We’re excited to announce that we will be updating Key Conversations, one of the [programs]([link removed]) Healthy Futures uses to help parents and caregivers engage in discussions with their children about making healthy decisions regarding sex and relationships. The goal of this initiative is to better understand how parent-facing programs can promote healthy outcomes for adolescents aged 13-24 in the Southern U.S.

upcoming events

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Healthy Futures of Texas Annual Luncheon

We’re excited to announce the return of our Annual Luncheon on October 23, 2024, at the Petroleum Club of San Antonio. This event began in 2010 to unite San Antonio’s civic, business, and philanthropic leaders in support of sexual health awareness and positive outcomes for Texas youth and women.

We’re also thrilled to introduce our 2024 Awardees:

- Trailblazer Award: Dr. Kristen Plastino, for visionary leadership in advancing sexual health for youth and families.
- Community Service Award: Live the Life Church, for their commitment to improving community health and empowering families.

Join us as we celebrate these outstanding leaders!

[become a sponsor today!]([link removed])

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We’re excited to announce the call for papers for the [14th Annual Symposium, happening in Dallas]([link removed]) from April 28-30, 2025, with a virtual day on May 1. This year, we’re partnering with [Trust Her]([link removed])to expand the focus to both adolescent and women’s sexual and reproductive health.

Professionals across Texas are invited to submit presentations on topics like adolescent health, women’s health, and sexuality education. Formats include plenary sessions, workshops, and more.

Submission Deadline: November 1, 2024. For details, contact Melanie Chasteen at [email protected] or 512.791.5110.

[join our lineup of speakers]([link removed])

thank you for making a difference!

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Your generosity during North Texas Giving Day and The Big Give is helping transform the lives of young people across Texas and empowering those who guide them.

- "Healthy Futures changed my life." – Bre, Youth Advocate
- "All young people deserve the knowledge to make healthy choices." – Jocelyn, Health Educator
- "With Healthy Futures, I felt safer asking questions." – Helena, Youth Advocate
- "We are a beacon of clarity and compassion." – Taylor, Health Educator

Together, we’re building a brighter future.

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Healthy Futures of Texas

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2300 W. Commerce St.,
Suite 212
San Antonio, TX 78207


[email protected] / 210.223.4589

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