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As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on the progress made possible by our partners, supporters, and communities across Texas. From expanding access to trusted learning tools and data, to advancing policy conversations and elevating youth voices, Healthy Futures of Texas continues working to improve outcomes for young people and families statewide.
Thank you for being part of this work. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access, strengthening collaboration, and advancing evidence-based solutions that support healthy futures for all.
tools for impact
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What’s New in HFTX Classroom
Making Learning More Accessible
HFTX Classroom now includes built-in accessibility features to support a wide range of user needs. With one click on the accessibility icon, users can customize their experience with tools like text resizing, ADHD-friendly displays, seizure-safe profiles, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation.
New Course: SHACs 102
Looking to deepen your understanding of School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs)? Following SHACs 101, our new SHACs 102 course explores the health standards SHACs follow and how councils can thoughtfully approach decisions related to human sexuality curriculum. It’s a timely resource for educators, parents, and community members.
[explore hftxclassroom.org]([link removed])
Coming Soon: CHW Certification Program
We’re preparing to launch a Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Program to build a strong network of trusted community members dedicated to improving maternal, child, and adolescent health.
This program will expand opportunities for individuals working to strengthen connections to care, share vital health information, and support families across Texas.
[join the CHW certification interest list]([link removed])
research & data
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New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Texas’ teen birth rate declined by 5% in 2024, yet the state still ranks 8th highest in the nation. HFTX has updated and expanded its online data resources to support communities, educators, and advocates, including our [interactive Teen Birth Explorer]([link removed]), the [Texas Adolescent Health Report]([link removed]), and county-level [fact sheets]([link removed]) for nearly 50 Texas counties, and a regional fact sheet for the Rio Grande Valley.
Explore our sexual health data [here]([link removed]).
advocacy updates
Adolescent Health Champion
HFTX proudly recognized Representative Erin Gámez of Brownsville (Texas House District 38) with our Adolescent Health Champion Award for her leadership on HB 2159, legislation that would support the rights of teen parents to consent to their own health care. While the bill passed the Texas House with strong bipartisan support, it did not advance in the Senate this session. We look forward to building on this momentum next session to continue advocating for Texas teens and young families.
leadership & expertise
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New Members Join the AHAC
We’re excited to welcome new members to our Adolescent Health Advisory Committee (AHAC) — a group of medical and public health experts who help ensure HFTX programs remain evidence-based, medically accurate, and responsive to the evolving needs of youth and families across Texas.
Their collective expertise strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality, trusted reproductive health education statewide.
[meet our advisory committee]([link removed])
in the news
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HFTX was recently featured in Public Good News, highlighting our outreach programs and the tools and information we provide to support healthy relationships across Texas. In the article, Sarah McQueen, Chief Mission Officer, discusses how small systemic barriers — such as consent form requirements — can have significant impacts on youth access to sexual health education. Read the full article [here]([link removed]).
upcoming events
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Early bird registration for our Annual Symposium ends December 31. Save $50 on registration with code EARLYBIRD and join us April 27–30 in Austin to learn from leading experts in adolescent health, women’s health, sexual health, and reproductive health. Attendees can earn continuing education credits and connect with health educators and public health professionals from across Texas.
[register now]([link removed])
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The 11th Annual HFTX Student Film Contest returns in April 2026, inviting Texas students to share powerful stories through film. Students can win up to $1,000 for their creative work and make an impact by amplifying youth voices across the state.
This year’s prompt:
How is your life online shaping the relationships you have offline?
Submission deadline: March 23, 2026. Download and share the [film contest flyer]([link removed]).
[learn more on our website]([link removed])
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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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[email protected] / 210.223.4589
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