Adolescent Health Initiative

04/28/2026

⏰The countdown begins! ⏰

Just about a month remains until registration is open for ! We can't wait to share what we've got planned with our community—passionate speakers, skill-building workshops, and a whole day dedicate to amplifying youth voice.

All we're missing is you! Get ready to register and find out all the important information in the comments below.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Black and white text on a blue gradient background reads The 2026 Conference on Adolescent Health. Caring for Youth in Times of Change. Registration opens June 1! Two ways to attend: Online: November 2, 2026. In-person: November 6-7, 2026, at Huntington Place, Detroit, MI. An illustration of three young people. Logos for AHI and University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine.

04/27/2026

The World Health Organization estimates that since 1974, over 150 million lives have been saved by immunization—let's not let this generation lose access to these lifesaving protections! reminds us of the power of vaccines, and the importance of sharing evidence-based information about the benefits of immunization.

Need more strategies to communicate about vaccines with young patients? Join our CE-eligible virtual training TOMORROW! Full details in comments.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
World Immunization Week. For every generation, Vaccines Work! An illustration of a syringe in front of a heart-shaped world. AHI's logo.

04/24/2026

April is , but advocating for equity is in season all year round. At AHI, we recognize the interplay of systems and structures that drive health disparities, and we're dedicated to working with our communities to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Ready to take the next step? Access AHI's no-cost resources on Cultural Responsiveness for trainings, toolkits, and more in the comments!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
IMAGE 1 reads National Minority Health Month. An illustration of three smiling health care professionals in front of a globe. AHI's logo.
IMAGE 2 reads Where We Are. According to KFF’s 2023 Survey on Racism, Discrimination, and Health:
American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) and Black people have a shorter life expectancy (70.1 and 74.0 years, respectively) compared to White people (78.4 years) as of 2023.
Black (10.9 per 1,000) and AIAN (9.2 per 1,000) infants were at least two times as likely to die as White infants (4.5 per 1,000). Pregnancy-related mortality rates were also more than three times higher among Black women compared to White women. An illustration of a stethoscope.
IMAGE 3 reads Looking Closer. It’s important to note that these disparities correlate with structural and systemic factors that affect wellness and health care:
Among people under age 65, AIAN (19%) and Hispanic (18%) were more than twice as likely as their White counterparts (7%) to be uninsured as of 2023.
Hispanic (24%), AIAN (23%), and Black (22%) households were roughly twice as likely to experience food insecurity as White households (12%). An illustration of a magnifying glass.
IMAGE 4 reads What We Can Do. Examine the health care systems around us at both micro and macro levels, and identify barriers to equity.
Educate ourselves on both cultural competancies and the social determinants of health.
Advocate for equity not only in the area of health care, but in all the aspects of society that affect health—housing, employment, education, food access, and more! An illustration of a doctor with vitiligo.

04/23/2026

💉Ready for your evidence booster?

Join us Tuesday for our latest training! Learn evidence-based strategies for communicating with young patients and their caregivers as they navigate the overwhelming world of vaccine information, misinformation, and disinformation. Empower adolescents to cut through the noise and make healthy decisions.

CE are available—for full information, visit the link below!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Information Overload: Communication Strategies for Adolescent Vaccine Counseling. Last chance to register! April 28, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT. An illustration of a syringe and a medication bottle with a heart. Logos for AHI and University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine.

04/15/2026

If you missed our recent training on adolescent online gambling and mental health, the recording is now available on our training catalog! Learn where youth are going to gamble online, what terms they use to talk about it, and what strategies health care professionals can use to get them the support the need.

Access the training at the link in comments - CE version coming soon!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Text reads Hidden Bets: Youth, Online Gambling & Mental Health. A virtual training for youth-supporting professionals. Now available on demand! An illustration of a digital tablet displaying a slot machine.

04/14/2026

According to a recent survey, roughly half of U.S. teens ages 13-17 who sent a s*xt had it shared with others without their permission or were subject to s*xtortion.

Today's young people are reaching maturity in a technological landscape vastly different from previous generations'. From s*xting to AI companion bots, adolescents are navigating new digital frontiers at a time when their emotional and intellectual capacities are still developing.

How can health care professionals and trusted adults empower them to make healthy decisions in this new world? What systemic guardrails can be put in place to help protect them? We want to hear from you!

Sexting, the sending or receiving of s*xually explicit or s*xually suggestive images or video, is a potentially risky behavior in which many youth participate. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of s*xting, as well as related harms including nonconsensual sharing of content and s*xt...

04/13/2026

Autism Acceptance Month is about moving beyond awareness and toward real support. Celebrate neurodiversity, listen to autistic voices, and create inclusive spaces where youth can thrive.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION
IMAGE 1 reads National Autism Acceptance month. Autism is not a limitation; it’s a different way of seeing the world. Colorful illustrations of stars and people. Infinity sign made of puzzle pieces. AHI's logo.
IMAGE 2 reads Awareness: knowing autism exists. An arrow points to Acceptance: supporting, including, and respecting autistic youth. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not something to “fix.” Autistic youth may experience: Barriers in healthcare and education. Sensory sensitivities. Higher rates of anxiety and unmet care needs. Support looks like listening, adapting, and affirming.
IMAGE 3 reads How we can support autistic youth:
Celebrate and appreciate neurodiversity.
Use person-centered, respectful language.
Create sensory-friendly, accessible environments.
Listen to autistic voices and lived experiences.
Provide equitable, individualized care for all.
An illustration of a young person listening to headphones.

04/10/2026

Youth continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV & AIDS, but with the right tools, it is preventable and treatable. This day highlights the importance of testing, prevention, and access to care for young people. Let’s reduce stigma, increase education, and support youth in knowing their status.

For more ideas of what you can do, access AHI’s Adolescent Sexual Health resources in the comments!


IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Colorful block and circle designs on a white background.
IMAGE 1 reads National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day. April 10. HIV still disproportionately impacts young people, especially those facing barriers to care. Let’s change that. Illustration of a globe with red leaves and red ribbon around it. Colorful hands reaching out from the bottom. Red and black text. AHI's logo.
IMAGE 2 reads Why it matters. Adolescents...Account for a significant share of new HIV diagnoses. Many don’t know their status. Only 56% of young people with HIV know their status, and they have the highest unmet need for PrEP (NIH). Face barriers like stigma, lack of access, and misinformation. Early testing + education = prevention & better outcomes. Remember: HIV is preventable and treatable. People with HIV can live long, healthy lives
IMAGE 3 reads Taking action. How we can support youth: Reducing stigma. Normalize HIV testing and eliminate shame around status. Promoting education. Advocate for comprehensive, accurate s*x education
(not just abstinence-only) Improving access to care. Support testing initiatives like GYT (Get Yourself Tested) and ensure care for HIV-positive youth.

04/07/2026

Only a few days left to apply for the AMPLIFY Youth Art Exhibition! We are thrilled to be partnering with Arts at Michigan to offer this revolutionary new program, where youth artists are paid to create art inspired by their lived experiences of health care.

For full details, visit: MichMed.org/AHIAmplify

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
IMAGE 1 reads Paid opportunity for youth artists closes April 17! What you need to know. A photo of a young artist painting on an easel in a sunny studio. AHI's logo.
IMAGE 2 reads Applications for the Amplify Youth Art Exhibition are closing soon! Applications take 10-15 minutes — art comes later. The AMPLIFY logo is a hand holding a megaphone with a lighting bolt and the word AMPLIFY coming out. An illustration of a paint can and brush.
IMAGE 3 reads Artists:
Must be ages 12-24
Reside in Michigan in 2026
Work in a visual medium (we’ll collaborate with you to display your art!)
Commit to all check-ins with our staff
Must be available for the exhibition reception in Detroit, MI, on November 6, 2026
Will be compensated $300 for their creative labor
No formal experience required
IMAGE 4 reads Make Art, Get Paid, Be Heard! Apply by April 17 at
MichMed.org/AHIAmplify. An illustration of a dripping paint can with a brush. The logo for the U-M Artist Initiative.

04/06/2026

In celebration of , we want to shout out our team's brilliant public health experts. Every day, their knowledge and empathy helps us take a wider view of the many societal factors that impact adolescent health. It's only through this broad perspective that we are able to do what we do to improve the state of care for young people everywhere!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A series of photos under a banner that reads National Public Health Week and includes AHI's logo.
IMAGE 1 is AHI's Director, Dana Thomas (she/her) standing at a podium speaking. Dana describes herself as having medium brown skin, brown eyes, black hair, and glasses.
IMAGE 2 is AHI's Medical Director, Terry Bravender (he/him). Terry describes himself as having white skin, brown eyes, and greying hair. He wears a suit in front of a blue background.
IMAGE 3 is AHI's Program Manager, Janna Safran (she/her) standing at a podium speaking. Janna describes herself as having tan skin, hazel eyes, and brown hair.
IMAGE 4 is AHI's Program Specialist, Iman Saleem (she/her). Iman describes herself as having red hair, brown skin, and dark brown eyes. She wears a black top in front of a forested background.
IMAGE 5 is AHI's Training & Outreach Coordinator, Isabelle Birt (she/her) smiling in front of a natural background. Isabelle describes herself as having pale skin, brown eyes, dark brown hair, and wide-framed glasses.

04/01/2026

No foolin'! At AHI April means it's Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness month. We're committed to promoting s*xual health care and education for youth that is compassionate, confidential, and rooted in evidence. That requires trusted adults and health care professional whom adolescents trust to share their questions and concerns!

Access our no-cost resources on adolescent s*xuality, STI screenings, confidentiality, and more in the comments!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Illustration reads All evidence. No stigma. STI Awareness Month. AHI's logo.

03/31/2026

We're so proud to work alongside organizations like The Corner Health Center who are committed to making sure trans youth receive the lifesaving care they deserve 💙🩷🤍

This Trans Day of Visibility, take time to educate yourself about how best to include trans and other LGBTQIA2S+ young people in your practice. AHI has no-cost resources here: https://michmed.org/vQ4MX

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility 🏳️‍⚧️

The Corner provides health and wellness care for any young person in need! Our support team works with trans individuals to support them with transitioning!