As is customary at the end of the season, I have been reflecting on where we were this time last year - still in the deepest throes of a global pandemic and awaiting updates to sexual health education standards that would affect the lives of millions of Texas students. In many ways, the world has changed a lot since then. In other ways, things haven’t changed nearly enough. Still, we have a lot to celebrate. We have made substantial progress toward our mission - and it is even more critical than ever before.

Our collaborative work at the Texas Campaign includes two projects focused on supporting youth with experience in the child welfare system, as we know that youth in care experience teen birth rates five times higher than their peers. Through our Collaborative for Youth in Care project based in Houston and our partnership in the statewide Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative, we are working to address the needs and lift the voices of Texas youth in care and those exiting the system.

Through the Texas Youth Friendly Initiative, we are working to improve the quality of medical health services for adolescent populations. Last month we launched a new cohort of five clinics in Galveston, Houston, Tyler and Austin and will work with them over the next 18 months on updating their policies and practices to reflect a youth-centered environment. 

As we look forward to the upcoming year, we are committed to working alongside all of you to ensure every Texas teen has access to information and resources they need to guide their decisions about relationships and sex, to prevent unintended pregnancy, and to stay safe and healthy. 

Your support helps us continue this work. Please consider a financial gift as the year comes to an end.