The ACLU of Ohio has a substantial history working with adolescents, whether through our internship program, mentoring relationships, or ongoing campaigns, such as health rights.
Over a decade ago, the ACLU of Ohio launched the publication, “Your Health and the Law: A Guide for Teens,” also known as the teen health guide. During that time, there was a growing public concern regarding adolescent medical issues ranging from basic awareness about adolescent rights and access to health care, to such specific issues as mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and how to pay for health-care services.
It’s been 15 years, several editions in English and Spanish, thousands of orders, scores of review panels, as well as hundreds of presentations for educators, parents groups, students, and medical professionals. Now, it’s bringing much more needed information online to a new generation of Ohio youth at acluohio.org/teenhealth.
Why a Teen Health Guide?
Teen health can be a complicated issue in Ohio. Over the years, we have gathered helpful resources, tips, real-life scenarios, and answers to common but often tricky questions. The teen health guide is easy to read and understand, and provides reliable information, to teens and their caregivers.
Health care law can be challenging to understand and to navigate, especially when it comes to teenagers. Often, they don’t feel comfortable going to adults for health advice. That’s why we want teens using our guide to know that there are caring adults and professionals who are willing to help them deal with difficult situations.
The health guide covers:
- Health laws.
- Rights and responsibilities.
- Treatment.
- Sexuality, including STDs.
- Violence.
- Mental health issues, including suicide.
- Body art.
- Consent.
- Confidentiality.
Our online version provides the publication in English and Spanish free to download. It also has situational questions and answers and helpful resources to use in times of need.
Outreach
The ACLU of Ohio believes that the teen health guide should be used as a quick reference for specific questions, as well as a tool for professionals to help youth and their parents make informed decisions. Download the booklet in English or Spanish for free.
Teens should know what health-related rights they have in our state and what resources are available to them. Our online health guide is a good place to start.
