Adolescent Health Initiative

11/20/2025

Remember those who have passed and never stop fighting for the living 🏳️‍⚧️

More than a hashtag or a day on the calendar, the struggle for rights for trans youth requires all of us, every day, to show up and never forget the lives lost to violence, political persecution, and systemic inequities. A kinder, more accepting world is possible, but only if we all do our part, every day of the year.



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An illustration of a candle within a heart, on a wavy gradient background in the colors of the Transgender Pride Flag. White text in a navy box says Transgender Day of Remembrance. AHI's logo.

11/19/2025

"Community Eligibility Provision [a universal free school meals policy] participation was associated with an 11% net reduction over 5 years in proportion of patients with a high blood pressure measurement....These findings add to mounting evidence that universal free school meals may be associated with improved child health."

A fascinating cohort study on the effects of free school meal policies on youth health! Link in comments.

11/18/2025

Transgender Awareness Week is about visibility, education, and celebrating the strength and stories of transgender and gender-diverse people.

Whether you’re a provider, caregiver, friend, or community member, you have a role in creating spaces where trans youth feel safe, affirmed, and valued.

Let’s listen. Let’s learn. Let’s stand together.



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Black text on a blue, purple, and pink ombre background
IMAGE 1 reads November 13-November 19 Transgender Awareness Week. A time to deepen understanding across communities, uplift the voices of trans and gender-diverse people, and stand together for equity and respect. A crucial week leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. Illustrations of people holding up the transgender pink, white, and blue flags. AHI's logo.
IMAGE 2 reads Transgender and gender-diverse people deserve: Safety. Respect. Joy. Community. Access to care without barriers. This week, we listen. We learn. We honor lived experiences. You can show up as an ally by...Using the names & pronouns people share. Challenging bias when you hear it. Supporting gender-affirming care. Sharing accurate info. Making space for trans joy. Illustration of two hands holding a pink, blue, and white striped heart.

11/17/2025

⭐Our newest no-cost resource is available now! ⭐

AHI’s latest no-cost resource on Community Violence explores trauma, community violence, trauma-informed care, youth engagement and youth adult partnerships, and how school-based health centers can foster partnerships with youth to address community violence. Resources, videos, and real-world examples will guide school staff and youth-serving professionals to work with youth to establish safe, welcoming spaces – both inside and outside of school – where they can connect, support each other, and thrive.

Access the resource now - link in comments!

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Navy text on a blue and green background reads New Resource: Fostering Youth Adult Partnership at School-Based Health Centers in Response to Community Violence. A picture of four youth with their backs turned, looking at a city skyline. An illustration of a pair of hands holding a heart. AHI's logo.

11/13/2025

This , let's remember to treat youth with warmth, dignity, and respect. When adults approach the adolescents in their care with kindness, it puts the "care" back in health care!

For AHI's no-cost, youth-friendly resources, visit the link in comments!

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Navy text on a green and blue gradient background reads World Kindness Day. A young, Bengali/Asian, hijabi, Muslim woman looks at a health brochure held by a smiling male, African-American provider. She wears a brown hijab and he wears a white shirt and a stethoscope. AHI's logo.

11/10/2025

Did you know you can access recordings of our quarterly trainings at no-cost? Watch expert presentations on sexual health, eating disorders, gender-affirming care, and more, all on your own schedule! Some courses are even available with continuing education credits!

Browse our catalog at the link in comments!

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Navy text on a blue and green background reads Youth-Centered Trainings On Demand. A photo of a tattooed, multiracial, able-bodied, woman provider handing someone a clipboard. At the top is AHI's logo.

11/08/2025

This Intersex Day of Solidarity, it's up to all of us to stand up for intersex young people and make sure their voices are heard, both in health care and society at large. November 8 marks the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a 19th-century intersex memoirist who reminds us that intersex people have always existed and will always exist!

For youth-friendly advice on providing the best care to all adolescent members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, visit our no-cost resources: https://michmed.org/vQ4MX

IMAGE REQUEST:
White text on a blue background reads Intersex Day of Solidarity. At the top is the Intersex Flag, a purple circle on a yellow background. An illustration of a raised fist. AHI's logo.

11/06/2025

Somedays you just have to...
🍁 Breathe in
💨 Breathe out
🍂 Transform the landscape of adolescent health

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A brown notebook pictured in front of a fall campus background. A sticker on it reads Inhale Exhale, with the Adolescent Health Initiative Logo in the center.

11/04/2025

🦋 Ready for our no-cost, virtual training tomorrow on the impacts of immigration raids on youth? Make sure you register by 8:00 a.m. EST tomorrow to secure your spot!

Hear from our experts on the the widespread mental, physical, and educational impacts of ICE raids on youth, as well as actionable guidance for health care and youth-serving professionals on how to best support young people and families when immigration enforcement occurs in their communities. Important “know your rights” information will also be covered to empower attendees.

Don't miss your chance! Link in the comments.

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Navy text on a textured purple and yellow gradient background reads Immigration Raids: Youth Impacts & Knowing Your Rights. Last chance to register! November 5, 11 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. EST. An illustration of a monarch butterfly. Logos for AHI and University of Michigan Health.

11/03/2025

⭐ Paid photo shoot for youth with special health care needs! ⭐

We’re recruiting youth ages 12-26 with special health care needs to participate in a photo shoot that highlights the diversity of youth with special health care needs— including those with visible and invisible disabilities—and promotes disability-friendly best practices in health care.

📆 Monday, Nov 10 I 6-8pm EST
📍 The Corner Health Center, Ypsilanti, MI
💵 $50 for each participant
💜 Final images will be free for public use!

Eligibility
✅ Ages 12-26 years old
✅ Michigan Resident and a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
✅ Fluent in English with ability to represent themselves
✅ Identifies as having a special health care need (as defined by MDHHS)
Note: This project does not include intellectual, developmental, or behavioral disabilities.

Interested? Apply here: https://michmed.org/dYgVV

Please share or tag someone who might be interested!

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Navy text on a blue and green background. At the bottom is AHI's logo.
IMAGE 1 reads Be seen. Be heard. Be you! We're recruiting Michigan youth with special health care needs for a paid opportunity! An illustration of three youth jogging, one of whom has a leg prosthesis.
IMAGE 2 reads Our latest project! AHI is exploring how Michigan providers and schools can better support the mental health of youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) and their caregivers. Part of the project will create inclusive stock photography that centers YSHCN in health care settings. An illustration of a large group of people of varying ability.
IMAGE 3 reads The Photo Shoot. Monday, November 10,
6-8 p.m. EST
The Corner Health Center
47 N Huron St,
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Participants will receive a $50 gift certificate for their participation!
An image of a purple sign hanging from a brink building with The Corner Health Center logo.
IMAGE 4 reads Eligibility Requirements.
Youth ages 12-26 years old
Michigan resident and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
Fluent in English
Identifies as having a special health care need as defined by the MDHHS.
Intellectual, developmental, and behavioral disabilities are not included for this project. An illustration of a young person in a wheelchair giving a thumbs up.
IMAGE 5 reads Get ready to get involved! If you're interested, please complete this form & we'll be in touch! An illustration of four youth with differing levels of ability. A QR code leading to https://michmed.org/dYgVV

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

Get to know our final speaker for Immigration Raids: Youth Impacts & Knowing Your Rights, our upcoming no-cost, virtual training next Wednesday, November 5, 11 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. EST.

William D. Lopez, PhD, MPH (he/him/el) is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Faculty Associate in the Latina/o Studies Program. He is the author of Raiding the Heartland: An American Story of Deportation and Resistance, a follow-up to his award-winning first book, Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid. In addition to his academic research on the public health impacts of deportation, Dr. Lopez regularly contributes to the public discussions on deportation, diversity, and Latino culture in venues such as the Washington Post, CNN, San Antonio Express News, Detroit Free Press, and Truthout. He is on the Boards of Health in Partnership and The Latino Newsletter.

We're thrilled to be bringing Dr. Lopez's research and perspectives to our audience, and we hope you'll join us next Wednesday. Register here: https://michmed.org/28Nd9

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Navy text on a textured purple and yellow gradient background reads William D. Lopez, PhD, MPH, he/him/el, University of Michigan. Immigration Raids: Youth Impacts & Knowing Your Rights. A picture of William D. Lopez wearing a navy suit and a bolo tie. William describes himself as having black hair, brown skin, and brown eyes. Logos for AHI and University of Michigan Health.