A Call to Action Planning: Local Health Department and School Partnerships for Adolescent Sexual Health.

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of significant physical, cognitive, and social development, during which young people explore their burgeoning independence, develop life and decision-making skills, and establish habits and behaviors that will endure throughout adulthood. Risk-taking is a natural part of adolescence, which provides young people with opportunities to develop competencies and skills needed for adulthood. However, these risks can also impact the health and well-being of adolescents. Young people aged 13 to 24 years account for half of the 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI) each year and 1 in 5 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Adolescence is also a period of increased vulnerability to substance use; the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and marijuana, as well as misuse of prescription pain medicines, is common among teens, and most people who use high-risk substances such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine start in late adolescence or early adulthood. LGBTQ+* youth and young people of color are less likely to receive culturally responsive health services and sex education and face greater risks for HIV/AIDS, STIs, and unintended pregnancy. The behaviors and health outcomes that arise during adolescence can have lifelong impacts; protective factors, such as family, school, and community support, are critical in mitigating these risks. Local education agencies (LEAs), or school districts, play an important role in advancing adolescent