At Healthy Futures of Texas, we believe that conversations change lives. We are deeply grateful for the voices shaping the future of sexual health education. During our 2024 Annual San Antonio Luncheon, we hosted a powerful panel featuring diverse voices sharing their personal experiences. They discussed how they’ve applied what they’ve learned through our programs, the importance of "the talk," and how they advocate for both youth and themselves. Conversations like these help build stronger communities and pave the way for healthier futures. Thank you to everyone who makes these impactful conversations possible.

Watch the highlights of the panel discussion in this short video and join us in celebrating these voices shaping the future of sexual health education.

After many years of increases in sexually transmitted infections, recently released CDC data show promising signs that the tide may be turning. In Texas, chlamydia cases decreased by 5% and gonorrhea cases by 15% in 2023 compared to 2022. Early and primary syphilis cases fell by 7% and 3%, respectively, though advanced syphilis increased by 3%.

In 2023, young people under the age of 25 made up a large portion of STI cases in Texas, with 57% of chlamydia cases, 43% of gonorrhea cases, 19% of syphilis cases, and 21% of new HIV diagnoses.

Following the November elections, which saw the Republican Party (GOP) gain three additional seats in the Texas Legislature, lawmakers are preparing for the 89th Legislative Session. Bill filing opened on November 12, and lawmakers wasted no time filing 1,511 proposed pieces of legislation. Among them is HB 536, a Healthy Futures priority bill that seeks to add birth control as a covered benefit under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Additionally, several lawmakers have filed legislation to reinstate laws requiring written parent consent for sex education. 

During a virtual Key Conversations session co-hosted with VAIL, parents shared valuable perspectives on the challenges they face as individuals with disabilities and as caregivers. Cristina, a participant, shared, “I thought it was great—very informative, and the interaction was awesome. It kept us engaged.” We’re grateful for partners like VAIL who help us connect with and support diverse communities.

Join us for the 14th Annual Healthy Futures of Texas Symposium, an essential event for professionals in adolescent and women’s sexual and reproductive health. This in-person event will be held in Dallas from April 28-30, 2025, with one day of virtual programming on May 1, 2025.

Register by December 31, 2024, to take advantage of a 15% early bird discount! Use promo code “BIRD” to save.