The 4th Annual South Texas Adolescent Health Summit was hosted virtually on June 22-24 and offered continuing education to nearly 100 youth-serving professionals from South Texas. The goal of the Summit was to increase knowledge, skills, and abilities among adults who provide services and support to adolescents on the Texas – Mexico Border about adolescent development, positive youth development, adolescent-friendly services, and how to apply the quality components of care through the stages of adolescence.
Programming
The program consisted of rich content provided by 17 experts in the field, almost exclusively from South Texas. The opening keynote was delivered by Sydney Ramon, entitled Just a Moment: The Impact of Action, and focused on how small moments can lead to big actions.
Breakout sessions over the three days included:
- Alcohol and Drug Awareness and New Trends in the RGV
- Engaging Teens and College Students as Advocates for their Reproductive Health
- Teen Dating Violence
- Texas Has New Sex Education Standards. What Does it Mean for Local Districts?
- Using Art as Self Care
- Connecting Children and Adolescent to Mental Health Care (English and Spanish)
- Embracing a New Approach to LGBTQ Youth (English and Spanish)
- Talking to Teens about Teen Pregnancy (English and Spanish)
Continuing Education
The Texas Campaign provided continuing education in multiple disciplines, via the Texas DSHS Continuing Education Service Department. We also provide certified community health worker credits by providing three certified CHW sessions.
Planning Committee
A robust planning committee helped make this event a success. Committee members represented the following organizations:
- Access Esperanza Clinics
- BCFS
- Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas
- Community Action Corporation of South Texas
- Friendship of Women, Inc.
- Healthy Futures of Texas
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- United Way RGV
- Valley AIDS
- Val Verde Regional Medical Center
