Adolescent Health Initiative

04/01/2026

No foolin'! At AHI April means it's Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness month. We're committed to promoting sexual 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 sexuality, STI screenings, confidentiality, and more in the comments!

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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!

03/30/2026

Today is , but we like to celebrate our Medical Director, Dr. Terry Bravender, all year long! Terry's invaluable perspective keeps AHI up-to-date with the latest evidence and clinical developments. He's a great source of historical tidbits and jazz recommendations as well!

Thank you, Terry!

For this Doctor’s Day we would like to highlight Terrill Bravender, MD, MPH; from the Adolescent Health Initiative!

Dr. Bravender is the David S Rosen MD Legacy Professor in Adolescent Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Psychiatry, and the Division Director of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is the Executive Director of the Comprehensive Eating Disorders Program, Co-Medical Director of the University of Michigan Adolescent Health Initiative, and also serves as the Associate Chair for Faculty Affairs in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Bravender is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Harvard University, and previously held faculty appointments at Harvard, Duke, and Ohio State University.

He has published more than 100 articles, book chapters, and books in the field of adolescent health and eating disorders. Dr. Bravender is active in the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, the Society for Pediatric Research, and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, Dr. Bravender!

03/30/2026

It's time to come together to prevent youth su***de 💜

Register now for the 2026 Connection Session! This half-day symposium will offer presentations, a youth panel discussion, and role plays to provide knowledge, perspectives, and strategies to respond to the growing crisis of youth su***de.

For more details, visit the link in comments!

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White text on a purple background reads 2026 Connection Session. Recognize, Connect, Support: Understanding Youth Su***de Prevention. Registration now open! Monday June 1, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT. U-M North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor, MI. Logos for AHI and University of Michigan Health.

03/26/2026

March is Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize and address the health disparities faced by bi+ communities and promote affirming, inclusive care.

Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and support the health and wellbeing of bi+ individuals and communities. For more ideas of what you can do, access AHI’s LGBTQIA2S+ Care resources: MichMed.org/vQ4MX



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Purple background with a white call out. Pink, blue, and purple stars. Purple and blue awareness ribbons in hearts with hands reaching out. AHI logo.
IMAGE 1 reads March is bisexual+ health awareness month.
IMAGE 2 reads Awareness. Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month raises awareness about the health needs and disparities experienced by bisexual+ communities and promotes equitable, affirming care. Research shows that bisexual+ people experience higher rates of certain mental and physical health challenges, including depression, suicidality, and chronic stress – often because of the following: stigma and biphobia. invisibility or “bi-erasure”. barriers to affirming healthcare and support. This month highlights the importance of respectful, inclusive, and accessible care for bi+ communities.
IMAGE 3 reads Supporting bisexual+ health includes creating environments where people feel safe seeking care and discussing their identities. Ways providers, families, & communities can help: Use inclusive language when discussing relationships and identity. Avoid assumptions about a person’s partners and/or experiences. Recognize that bisexual+ identities are valid and diverse. Ensure access to affirming mental health and healthcare resources
IMAGE 4 reads Learn more and access resources:
Bi+ Health Awareness Month
BiHealthMonth.org
Human Rights Campaign
hrc.org/news/living-into-equity-this-bisexual-health-awareness-month
AHI’s LGBTQIA2S+ Care Resources
MichMed.org/vQ4MX

03/24/2026

Registration is now open for AHI's upcoming virtual training, Information Overload: Communication Strategies for Adolescent Vaccine Counseling!

With a rapidly changing national landscape when it comes to vaccine guidance, youth-supporting professionals are often left to navigate conflicting recommendations and widespread misinformation. Yet research has shown that health providers can significantly influence patients’ decisions to vaccinate, pointing to a window of opportunity for health care professionals to counter the growing mistrust of life-saving vaccines.

Join us April 28, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT for all of the latest information you need to empower adolescents and their caregivers to make informed, evidenced-based decisions.

Full CE information is available on our course page - link in comments!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Information Overload: Communication Strategies for Adolescent Vaccine Counseling. Registration now open! 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.

03/20/2026

According to the CDC, in 2023, 70.7% of people with HIV in the U.S. were virally suppressed within six months of diagnosis. But American Indian & Alaskan Native people had among the lowest percentages of viral suppression within six months of diagnosis at 63.9%. This demonstrates the disparate barriers to health education and care experienced by Native and Indigenous communities when it comes to HIV treatment and prevention.

This National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, let's commit to addressing these inequities and providing culturally humble care to Native and Indigenous young people. For one small, actionable step, access AHI's training on PrEP for Adolescents to explore how providers can connect all youth with this lifechanging medication: https://michmed.org/RBmR2

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National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. An illustration of a red ribbon made of patchwork. AHI's logo.

03/18/2026

Only 6 hours left!!! Can you help us cross the finish line and end on a high note? Every dollar we receive will help youth access our 2026 Annual Conference. Any donation, large or small, helps us !

Chip in today: https://michmed.org/GiveToAHI

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A photo of a seated young person speaking into a microphone. In front of her is a tablet and keyboard. Logo for Giving Blueday 2026.

03/18/2026

Thank you so much to those who have already donated to our campaign! There's still time to donate before our midnight deadline ⏰

Funds will be used to provide stipends and travel support for young people to advocate for their health care at our 2026 Conference. Each dollar helps a young person share their story!

Visit our donation page: https://michmed.org/GiveToAHI

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A photo of a young person standing at a podium in a suit, reading from a piece of paper. Logo for Giving Blueday 2026.

03/18/2026

How can you empower young people to take charge of their health and shape the future of adolescent care? Today, the answer is simple: join AHI’s campaign and donate to support youth participants in our 2026 Annual Conference on Adolescent Health. From a dedicated youth-led day to an exhibition of youth artists, we're doing everything we can to in health care—are you?

Even a few dollars will help us give opportunities to young people in need to share their experiences with health professionals and make their voices heard!

Our campaign deadline is midnight tonight! Learn more: https://michmed.org/AHIGiving2025

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A photo of a young artist painting on an easel in a sunny studio. The logo for Giving Blueday 2026.

03/18/2026

is here! We’ve only got until midnight TONIGHT to reach our goal of raising $2,000 to help young people with financial need attend our 2026 Conference. This directly supports AHI’s purpose: to transform the adolescent health care landscape and !

If you can donate or help us spread the word, please learn more at: https://michmed.org/GiveToAHI

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A photo of a young person speaking into a microphone, wearing a nametag from the 2024 Conference on Adolescent Health. Logo for Giving Blueday 2026.

03/13/2026

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time to reduce stigma and increase understanding around self-harm and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. You can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Orange, yellow, and white text on a dark navy background with a butterfly motif. AHI's logo.
IMAGE 1 reads March is SELF HARM AWARENESS MONTH. Encourage those struggling to reach out to mental health professionals for support. CONTENT WARNING: Self-harm. Illustration of orange awareness ribbon.
IMAGE 2 reads Understanding Self-Harm. Self-harm, also called non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to intentionally harming one’s body as a way to cope with overwhelming emotional distress.
While self-harm is not always a su***de attempt, it is a sign that someone is struggling and may need support.
Self-Harm Awareness Month helps:
Reduce stigma
Increase understanding
Encourage compassionate support and access to care
IMAGE 3 reads Self-harm can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly reported among adolescents and young adults.
Signs someone may be struggling can include (but are not limited to):
• Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises
• Wearing long sleeves or covering skin in warm weather
• Increased secrecy or withdrawal
• Emotional distress or mood changes
Responding with empathy and non-judgment can make it easier for someone to seek help.
IMAGE 4 reads Support & Resources. Recovery and support are possible.
If you are concerned about someone:
Approach the conversation calmly and with care
Avoid blame or judgment
Encourage connection with a trusted adult, counselor, or mental health professional
Support resources:
988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for immediate support
Self-Injury Recovery & Awareness hosts resources & virtual peer support groups: www.thesira.org/
If someone has a serious or life-threatening injury, contact emergency services immediately