UT Teen Health, an adolescent health and wellness program of UT Health San Antonio, has been reaching out to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Teen Health encourages positive youth development and healthy life choices.

During May, UT Teen Health staff members participated in a drive to purchase and provide feminine hygiene products for girls throughout San Antonio through Girls Inc.

Volunteers fill gift bags for youth.
UT Teen Health and Girls Inc. provided feminine hygiene products to youth.

“Girls Inc. is one of our partners and we were ready to help when we realized, due to job loss, schools being closed and some families having to rely only on public transportation to go to the grocery store, that many girls many not have these personal products that they need,” said Jennifer Todd, senior project manager.

UT Teen Health and Girls Inc. distributed products to 254 girls on May 22, and plans for another 400 bags to be provided on June 26, noon – 1 p.m. and 3 – 4 p.m. The Girl Pad drive-up to grab and go will occur at Girls Inc. located at 2214 Basse Rd.

Facebook Live session with the San Antonio AIDS Foundation

On May 18, Project Coordinator Joette Garza-Garibay participated in a 15-minute Facebook Live session with the San Antonio AIDS Foundation to explain what UT Teen Health offers.

The program focuses on positive youth development, healthy life choices, goal setting, self-awareness, violence prevention and preparation for college. The program also provides educational sessions for parents on how to discuss sensitive topics, as well as resources for both teens and parents.

Garza-Garibay explained that UT Teen Health works with nine San Antonio-area school districts to provide customized health education curricula including training and technical assistance in how to deliver medically accurate information.

UT Teen Health has certified seven teen-friendly clinics located throughout San Antonio, including the UT Health San Antonio-University Health System’s Teen Health Clinic, which provides reproductive health counseling, school and sports physicals, teen vaccinations and mental health counseling.

In addition, the program offers a Youth Leadership Council that promotes positive decision-making, goal setting, leadership, resources and public speaking skills. Students in high school or entering high school can apply for membership on the Youth Leadership Council using this Google Form link: https://forms.gle/Kf42JFwYavTTRUALA.