Healthy Futures of Texas Hosts 7th Annual South Texas Adolescent Health Summit in Mission

Health Summit

The 7th Annual South Texas Adolescent Health Summit, organized by Healthy Futures of Texas, took place today at the Mission Event Center. The nonprofit organization aims to create awareness around the health challenges faced by teenagers, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. The summit brings together professionals, educators, and community leaders to discuss strategies for improving teen health and well-being.

Focus on Teen Health in South Texas

This year’s event highlighted several pressing health concerns affecting adolescents in South Texas, including a significantly high teen birth rate. According to Healthy Futures of Texas, the teen birth rate in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties is about 50% higher than the state average.

“Almost 3% of teens in Cameron and Hidalgo County have a baby each year,” a spokesperson noted during the summit.

The organization’s mission is to provide resources and training to professionals working with teens to help reduce these numbers through better education and access to healthcare.

Addressing Teen Reproductive Health

Healthy Futures of Texas emphasized the importance of educating teenagers on reproductive health, providing access to contraception, and encouraging informed decision-making.

“Really the goal is to reduce the risk of STIs and HIV here in the Rio Grande Valley,” said a representative. “We want to provide sexual and reproductive health education so people can make decisions that are best for them.”

The summit also provided a platform to discuss the availability of sexual health services and the need for comprehensive education programs that empower teens to make safe and healthy choices.

The Mental Health Crisis Among Teens

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health was another critical topic at the summit. Rick Venezia, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Mission, shared insights into the mental health struggles faced by teens in the region.

“Our kids are struggling with mental health issues from ages 11 to 17. Those are the target areas where they’re having the hardest time,” Venezia said. “Coming out of the pandemic, they were out of school for over a year and didn’t have communication. It was one of the hardest times.”

Venezia stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health challenges early on, as they can have long-lasting effects on teens’ overall well-being.

Encouraging Open Conversations

Experts at the summit also highlighted the role parents and guardians play in supporting their children’s health. They encouraged families to engage in open and honest conversations about both physical and mental health.

Recommendations for Parents:

• Listen Without Judgment: Create a safe space for teens to share their feelings.
• Educate on Health Topics: Offer age-appropriate information about sexual health and mental wellness.
• Seek Professional Support: If necessary, reach out to local resources and counselors to provide additional help.

Virtual Sessions Continue

The second day of the summit will continue virtually tomorrow, allowing more professionals to attend and gain valuable insights into supporting teen health. Those interested in participating can access the session and find additional resources through the Healthy Futures of Texas website at hftx.org.

Conclusion

The South Texas Adolescent Health Summit serves as an important forum for addressing the unique health needs of teenagers in the Rio Grande Valley. By providing education, resources, and support, Healthy Futures of Texas is working to create a healthier future for the region’s youth.