{"id":19709,"date":"2024-05-28T13:31:27","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T17:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=19709"},"modified":"2026-05-19T15:13:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T19:13:29","slug":"support-adolescent-health-become-a-trusted-adult","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2024\/05\/28\/support-adolescent-health-become-a-trusted-adult\/","title":{"rendered":"Support adolescent health: Become a trusted adult\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, we\u2019re welcoming Health Education Specialist TaShana Jaudon to the newsletter! TaShana works with RHHD\u2019s Adolescent Health Program; currently, she is hosting the programs 13th Annual Healthy Living for Youth Health Fairs in partnership with Richmond Public Schools Health and PE Departments. Take it away, TaShana:<\/p>\n

In May, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on two observances close to my heart:\u00a0National Adolescent Health Month\u2122 and\u00a0Mental Health Awareness Month. These awareness campaigns resonate deeply with the work that has been done through RHHD\u2019s Adolescent Health Program, and they speak to the passion I have for serving the youth in our community. It\u2019s great that the months are paired, because both focus on recognizing needs that can be hard to put words to and raising awareness about challenging conditions.<\/p>\n

Teens are going through some of the hardest things. They can be overlooked when community programs focus on little ones and older residents. But my heart is for the teenage population, because I can remember being a teen and how hard it was. I remember not having a trusted adult to talk to about some of these things.\u00a0Middle and high school years are pivotal times in the development of your personality and decision-making skills. Positive interactions with a trusted adult are crucial as they are able to provide guidance and support.\u00a0Also, these relationships can provide prevention and protective factors for youth.\u00a0If we can reach them at an early age, I\u2019ve seen those relationships change the trajectory of their lives.<\/p>\n

I’ve been with the health department working with teens for 18 years, so I\u2019ve seen a lot of changes in focus and in needs. Adolescent health historically included a strong focus on teen pregnancy prevention. These initiatives have been highly successful, contributing to a significant decline in teen pregnancy rates over the past few decades. Now, we recognize that\u00a0adolescent health encompasses much more than this issue alone, and we address a wider range of health concerns. This includes substance abuse prevention, addressing mental health, healthy relationships, stress management, social media usage, nutrition, and overall wellness.<\/p>\n

We know that the\u00a0number of adolescents reporting poor mental health is increasing, and this trend is especially true for\u00a0LGBTQ+ teens and Black youth. As there\u2019s more conversation around anxiety and depression, we can address these challenges, give them a name, and help youth find words for the feelings they\u2019re experiencing.<\/p>\n

In any session or event, no matter the topic, I ask teens \u201cdo you have a trusted adult you can talk to?\u201d Because it matters who gives them the information. A trusted adult might not always be a parent; it can be anyone\u2014ideally over 25!\u2014with whom they have a relationship and feel comfortable.<\/p>\n

When we acknowledge the broader spectrum of issues affecting young people today, we can create a generation of healthier, happier, and more resilient individuals. If you want resources about becoming a trusted resource for the youth in your life, you can explore some of the following:<\/p>\n