From the Urban Institute:
Although young people make up about 25 percent of the sexually active population, they contract 50 percent of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) annually. In 2018, combined cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reached a record high following a five-year continuous increase. Sex is part of many adolescents’ and young adults’ lives, and evidence suggests access to clinical care and education on safe sex, healthy relationships, and routine screenings should be as well.
To encourage health and wellness among teens, many states and the District of Columbia allow minors to access some sexual and reproductive health services without parental consent. Still, navigating and accessing health care for these sensitive services can be intimidating, especially for young people, meaning they often miss out on vital sexual health information.
Here is how Promoting Adolescent Sexual Health and Safety (PASS)—a partnership between the Benning Terrace DC Housing Authority community, including participating teens, and the Urban Institute—is strengthening young people’s connection to local health resources.
Read the Urban Institute's article "Youth STIs Are at an All-Time High. A DC Program Shows Community Engagement Is Key to Fighting This Trend," featuring the DC Housing Authority.