New Research Emerges about Adolescent Sexual Health in Tulsa
Amplify Youth Health Collective (Amplify) kicked off its 10th-anniversary celebrations with the release of newly completed Community Needs Assessment findings on Wednesday, January 25, in downtown Tulsa.
“This report, completed in partnership with OSU Center for Family Resilience and OSU Diversity and Rural Advocacy Group, allows us to identify the barriers that exist in our community for young people seeking sexual health education programs and wellness services,” said Amplify’s Executive Director, Heather Duvall.
“These findings will inform not only our organization but our entire community as we look to the future and the next ten years of advancing youth sexual health and well-being in Tulsa.”
Almost 800 Tulsa and surrounding area residents participated in the study. “We learned a lot,” says Duvall. According to the research, 92% of adults surveyed agreed that sexual health education should happen in local schools.
Survey respondents also indicated an increased need for information on various sexual health topics. Over 40% of participants stated they would like to learn more about teen development and how to talk to their teens about sexual health.
Recommendations include expanding sexual health information and access to services, demanding equity for populations experiencing health disparities, and eliminating the stigma that exists around discussing adolescent sexual health.
“We know that our community needs and wants this information, and it’s critical that we support young people and parents in having conversations about sexual health early and often,” says Duvall. “Providing honest and accurate information to teens helps them make the best decisions for themselves.”
Alongside the expansion of evidence-based sexual health programs and services, the Tulsa County teen birth rate has declined by almost 58% since 2009. Amplify says they are excited to share the results of this study with the community as they continue celebrating their 10th anniversary and raising awareness for youth sexual health and well-being in Tulsa. To see highlights or the full report, please visit amplifytulsa.org/cna.
The 2022 Tulsa Community Needs Assessment project was supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-1498 awarded to the City of Tulsa by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
About Amplify Youth Health Collective
Amplify is a Youth Health Collective advancing youth sexual health and well-being through education, collaboration, and advocacy. Amplify leverages the strengths of young people, partner organizations, and trusted adults to provide and strengthen a network of educational, environmental, and social supports leading to positive adolescent sexual health outcomes. To learn more, please visit amplifytulsa.org.
