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by Steven Tsujisaka
Since 1988, Health Connected has been dedicated to empowering young people and supporting families across the Bay Area and beyond. Our mission is to equip young people with information, skills and support to make thoughtful choices about their relationships and sexual health throughout their lives. With our trauma informed sexual health education programs, we reach thousands of students, families, and educators, creating a foundation for healthier communities.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, Health Connected proudly served over 14,500 students through our Youth Services, where our trained health educators provide comprehensive puberty and sexual health education directly in schools. Our Training and Technical Assistance program equipped more than 570 education professionals to deliver our curricula to an additional 31,500 students across the United States. Additionally, our Parent Services — through Parent Talk and Family Talk workshops — engaged over 2,800 families, helping them navigate meaningful, open-ended conversations about sexual health at home.
The feedback we received last school year illustrates the impact of our programs. A fifth grade student shared: “My favorite part of [Puberty Talk] was the consent lesson. It really helped me be able to say no when I don’t want to or when I feel uncomfortable to do something.”
Another middle school participant appreciated the practical information, saying: “It was interesting to learn about the different birth control methods that exist. I never knew there were so many, and seeing how they differed was interesting.” These reflections demonstrate how age-appropriate education empowers students with knowledge, fostering a sense of autonomy and respect for themselves and others.
Responses from students across age groups highlight the benefits of our services:
- 85% of Puberty Talk students (fifth & sixth graders) reported feeling more comfortable reporting inappropriate touching to a parent or trusted adult.
- 69% of Teen Talk Middle School students (seventh & eighth graders) were able to identify at least one local clinic that provides free and confidential health services to teens.
- 82% of Teen Talk High School students (ninth & 10th graders) said they felt comfortable starting a conversation about their personal boundaries.
Our programs also support family communication. One parent highlighted how the Family Talk workshop created understanding in their household: “Talking about the opposite sex and having that understanding. While my son may already have some insights into his own body, he may not really fully understand what others may be going through.” Another parent appreciated the structure the program provided, saying, “It’s nice to have the foundation that [our family] experienced together just in case we need to review later.” Parents like these are vital to our work, helping bridge communication gaps and fostering supportive environments for their children’s growth.
Health Connected’s approach goes beyond traditional sexual health education, addressing issues like digital safety, consent, healthy relationships, and mental health to meet the holistic needs of today’s youth. Our programs are about fostering respect, empathy, and informed decision-making, all essential skills that young people and families carry forward to build stronger, healthier communities.
The Holiday Fund is essential in sustaining our work, enabling us to reach more students and families across the Bay Area and beyond who might not otherwise have access to these life-changing resources. With your support, we can expand our programs and ensure that every young person grows up with the tools and guidance to make healthy, informed decisions. For more information on Health Connected’s programs and services or to sign up for updates, please visit health-connected.org.
Thank you for supporting our community’s young people and families—together, we’re building a healthier, more empowered future for all.
Health Connected is one of the beneficiaries of The Almanac’s Holiday Fund. Donations are divided equally among this year’s 10 nonprofit organizations and 100% of the funds raised go directly to the recipients. Donations to the Holiday Fund can be made at almanacnews.com/holiday_fund.
Steven Tsujisaka is a community engagement manager for Health Connected.
