We are not lab rats!

E-cigarette use has increased throughout the years, especially among our teenage population. Today, we are in the midst of a youth vaping epidemic. Many believe that vaping is better than smoking cigarettes, but in reality, both negatively affect the health of the user as well as the health of those around them. Yes, electronic nicotine […]
In honor of Dr. Marilyn Steele

It is with deep sadness that Healthy Teens marks the passing of a remarkable lady, to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude for helping in the establishment of Healthy Teens and our lauded Teen Health Educator program. Marilyn Steele, AKA Norma Marilyn Harger Steele, was born September 13, 1925 in Cleveland, OH, the […]
Summer’s out, let’s get HEALTHY!

With students out of school and a sunny memorial day to welcome the summer, Healthy Teens is excited to announce that the 2022 Summer Programs begin next week at various locations in Manatee and Sarasota County! The teams of Teen Health Educators and Young Adult Leaders are trained and eager to have in-person conversations with […]
You’re the ONE that we want!

The Giving Challenge 2022 is here! SW Florida’s premier one-day giving event is aimed at encouraging individual philanthropy to nonprofits based in the region. Healthy Teens is once again taking part and we’re excited to have your support! The Giving Challenge 2022 will be held on Tuesday, April 26th at 12:00 PM through Wednesday, April […]
Teens in Training
On October 6th, our new group of Teen Health Educators gathered for their first training session! After having to train our last group of applicants virtually, we’re so excited to be able to get this new group safely together, in person, to make the most of the training and team-building. Our time began with playing […]
Suicide Awareness Prevention Month
By Jonathan Evans, Executive Director Did you know that according to the CDC, in 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents ages 13 to 19 — and the leading cause of death among 13-year-olds? This is a statistic that Healthy Teens is committed to tackling. We spend a lot […]
World Sexual Health Awareness Month
By Sarah Averbeck, Young Adult Leader The month of September recognizes World Sexual Health Month, raising awareness around issues regarding a personal sense of self-esteem; personal attractiveness and competence; freedom from sexually transmitted diseases; and sexual dysfunction. Sexual health embraces joy and sexuality throughout our lives. This is an important component of our physical and […]
Building team in community
By Sarah Averbeck, Young Adult Leader Healthy Teens Coalition met for our monthly meeting on September 8th at Desoto Boys & Girls Club. The meeting was celebrated with some of the Club members preparing dinner for our Teen Health Educators! This was a great opportunity for our team to discuss new ideas and catch up. […]
We Bid Adieu to Our Beloved Treasurer, Gary Hickerson.
Our 10th anniversary marked the end of an era for the HTC board, as we said goodbye to our dear friend, Gary, after a decade of dedicated service! Gary was a founding board member of Healthy Teens Coalition and served as our treasurer from the very beginning. He had a long and distinguished career working […]
Meet Estella!
By Sarah Averbeck, Young Adult Leader Estella Hornback is 16 years old and is a junior at The Out of Door Academy (ODA) High School. She joined Healthy Teens because of her interest in neuroscience and the effects of physical and mental health on youth. Through her involvement in the Teen Health Educator program, she […]