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what we’re talking about

Breaking Barriers in Adolescent Health

We’re launching a new monthly blog series spotlighting the powerful voices behind our 2025 Healthy Futures Annual Symposium. First up: [Kentoria Roberson-White]([link removed]), Nurse Practitioner and founder of [Phoenix Health Alliance]([link removed]), who is changing the game for youth in North Texas.

In her post, Kentoria dives into the most pressing barriers to adolescent health in Texas, from limited access to care to the urgent mental health crisis, and shares what it takes to provide culturally competent, youth-centered care.

“Culturally competent care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential. It’s the only way to ensure equitable care and empower adolescents and young women to engage meaningfully with their health.” — Kentoria Roberson-White

Read how Kentoria is showing up, speaking out, and breaking barriers to build a healthier future for Texas youth. [Explore Kentoria’s Insights]([link removed])

foundation spotlights

We’re honored to be named one of the inaugural [Future Ready Impact grantees]([link removed]) by the [San Antonio Area Foundation]([link removed]). As part of this powerful six-year investment in youth-serving organizations, Healthy Futures of Texas will receive $100,000 annually to advance our work in supporting young people across Bexar County.

This funding is part of the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, a region-wide effort to increase post-secondary enrollment by 2030. With support from the Area Foundation, this initiative helps organizations like ours expand access to sexual and reproductive health education and resources that empower youth to make informed decisions about their futures.

We’re deeply grateful to the San Antonio Area Foundation for its leadership and long-term investment in the future of Texas youth. We look forward to working alongside the other incredible grantees to drive lasting impact across our region.

advocacy update

Governor Greg Abbott has signed SB 12 into law. This wide-ranging education bill will go into effect in the 2025–26 school year, with several provisions impacting health education and related topics:

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Sex Education: Reinstates opt-in requirements, prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity, bans school clubs related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and extends sex education laws to charter schools and districts of innovation.

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Parental Access & Consent: Increases parent access to student records and requires consent for participation in school clubs, surveys, and certain services.

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Other Impacts: Broadly prohibits DEI initiatives in public and charter schools.

Healthy Futures will release implementation guidance and support for public and charter districts in the coming weeks.

event highlights

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Feel the Heat: The South Texas Summit Is Coming In Hot!

Things are heating up in the RGV — and we’re not just talking about the weather. The South Texas Adolescent Health Summit is bringing the fire with dynamic sessions, expert speakers, and blazing-hot strategies to support youth across our region. Don’t miss this chance to ignite new ideas, spark meaningful connections, and turn up the heat on the future of adolescent health!

Event Details & Registration:

🗓️ August 27, 2025: Mission Event Center (In-Person)
🗓️ August 28, 2025: Virtual Sessions

Registration: $75 (includes light breakfast, lunch & CE certificate)

Continuing Education: Earn up to 8 hours of continuing education in a variety of disciplines.

Learn more about the event [here]([link removed]). Interested in sponsoring, exhibiting, or presenting a session? Contact Melanie Chasteen at [email protected].

school district opportunity

[UTHealth School of Public Health]([link removed]) is launching a new study this fall to evaluate how effective the [iCHAMPSS]([link removed]) platform is in helping schools adopt and sustain evidence-based sexual health programs, and your district could play a key role.

Healthy Futures of Texas, through our [Texas Is Ready]([link removed]) initiative, is proud to support recruitment for this important research, which will focus on ESC Regions 1, 2, and 20.

Participating districts will receive:

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Free access to over 60 resources for implementing sexual health education

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Expert guidance and technical support

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$25 compensation for each survey or interview completed

We’re seeking District Coordinators, including SHAC Co-Chairs, Health/Wellness Leads, or other administrators, who are committed to improving health education and can help coordinate study activities using the iCHAMPSS platform.

This is a great opportunity to strengthen your district’s approach to sexual health education while contributing to meaningful statewide research.

Interested or want to learn more? Contact Ana Belén Zelaya at [email protected].

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Healthy Futures of Texas

Headquarters:
2300 W. Commerce Street, Ste. 212
San Antonio, Texas 78207

Dallas Office:
2816 Swiss Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75204

Austin Office:
314 E Highland Mall Blvd. #402
Austin, Texas 78752

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