Program areas at Healthy Futures of Texas
Health Education: Healthy Futures has been a leader in curriculum development since its founding in 2006. Health educators implement puberty and age-appropriate sexual health education for middle school students and sexual health education for junior and senior high school students. Higher education programming supports young adults in community colleges and university campuses in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Health educators also work with foster care agencies to provide sex education to youth within the foster care system in Texas. Programs designed for parents, caregivers, and trusted adults empower adults to talk about sex and relationships with their teens and prepare them to help teens navigate the healthcare system. Healthy Future also continues its work in curriculum development by identifying gaps in the sexual health education landscape and developing programs and materials to meet the needs.
Awareness: Talk About It Texas is a state-wide media campaign inspiring conversations about sexual health and wellness. The media campaign reached several million community members in 2023 with empowering messaging.
Advocacy: Healthy Futures advocates for local and state policy priorities supported by data and the experiences of Texas youth and women. Healthy Futures staffs and manages the Texas Womens Healthcare Coalition which consists of over 80 healthcare, faith, and community-based member organizations dedicated to improving the health of Texas women, babies, and families by advocating for access to preventative care for all Texas women. Independently, Healthy Futures staff members educate and engage the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, state agencies, local school districts, and municipal health departments. Healthy Futures conducts, analyzes, and disseminates research and data relevant to sexual health outcomes of youth and women. Healthy Futures uses research and data to inform decision making and provide partners with accurate information.