Working Together to Link More Teens to Health

In 2012, WithinReach will launch a teen-focused sister website to ParentHelp123.org called WashingTeenHelp.org. The new website will connect teens to health information, state benefit programs and community-specific health resources.

WashingTeenHelp.org is being developed with a focus on pregnant and parenting teens in Washington, but will offer valuable information and resources for all teens, including topics such as relationships, dating violence, general and sexual health, pregnancy, parenting, legal resources and planning your future.

The key partners in developing the website include the State Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

As part of the collaboration, WithinReach staff worked with the Washington GRADS (Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Roles Skills) program, a high-school based support program for pregnant and parenting teens. Teachers and students from the program completed questionnaires to help inform the design and outreach strategy for the new website.

“The teachers and teens provided incredibly helpful information that guided the development of the new website,” said Health Promotion Program Manager JoAnn Manke. “We are excited to launch the teen version of ParentHelp123.org early next year.”

A final report and executive summary of the findings can be downloaded on the WithinReach website. For more information on WashingTeenHelp.org, please contact JoAnn Manke at joannm@withinreachwa.org. Stay tuned for updates on the launch of the website!