Open Call Community Engagement Initiative
Between 2021 and 2025, we conducted four rounds of crowdsourcing open calls to engage teens and community members in open dialogues about effective communication and healthy relationships for adolescents. Prizes were awarded to outstanding submissions, and winning entries were shared across various platforms to support program services that promote adolescent health and well-being.
We are now seeking innovative themes for the , which will center communication, consent, safety, and empowerment to support teen wellbeing, including healthy relationships, bodily autonomy, and sexual wellness as part of a holistic approach to youth health. Share your ideas and join our Community Steering Committee to help drive this important initiative. We strongly believe that collective voices and ideas can create meaningful change.
About the Program
The Teen Health 360 Program, housed at EVMS' Pediatrics Department, is currently funded by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and (HRSA). The program aims to engage school-age youth (6th through 12th grades), parents, guardians, and other community stakeholders in medically accurate, age-appropriate and evidence-based Family Life Education and Comprehensive Sex Education to empower youth to make informed decisions about their relationships, health, and well-being.
Studies show that medically accurate, evidence-based and age-appropriate program services for school age youth can delay sexual initiation, reduce risky sexual behaviors and reduce sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancies.
