Appalachian Highlands Sexual Health Outreach Coalition

08/26/2024

Hello S*x Ed Advocates!

We hope your summer has been filled with joy and rest, because as fall approaches, the work ahead is more critical than ever. Here at SIECUS: S*x Ed for Social Change, we've spent the summer preparing to meet this pivotal moment as we move closer to the end of the year.

The past several years have been marked by relentless attacks on abortion access, s*xual health education, and equity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ youth. The decisions made in the coming months will determine the future of our health and rights for years to come. We must join forces across our intersecting movements to push back against these harmful policies and advance s*xual and reproductive freedom for all.

Therefore SIECUS: S*x Ed for Social Change has teamed up with the Guttmacher Institute and we’re excited to announce our upcoming webinar, "The Road to Progress: The Intersection of State Policies on Gender, Race, and Reproductive Rights," taking place on September 5th from 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM ET

As the attacks on reproductive rights, comprehensive s*x education, and equity in schools continue to grow, it’s essential that we come together and take action. This webinar will feature insights from leading experts across SIECUS, the Guttmacher Institute, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), and PEN America. We’ll break down the current legislative landscape, discuss how our movements intersect, and explore ways we can work collectively to protect and advance our rights.

📢 This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Register today to join us and be part of the movement to safeguard our rights and ensure a just future for all.
We look forward to seeing you there!

In solidarity,
SIECUS Policy Team

Register Today

As attacks on abortion access, s*xual health education, LGBTQIA+ rights, and inclusive honest education intensify, our collective response is more crucial than ever. State and federal legislatures, courts, and school boards are driving policies that threaten the future of our health and rights. The....

06/18/2024

SAVE THE DATE!
The shOUT Coalition is happy to announce that our 2nd annual Summit will be on November 19th from 8:00-4:00 at Bristol Regional Medical Center's Monarch Auditorium. Join us in efforts to understand what children and youth need to become s*xually healthy adults. For more information please visit the link below. *xualhealthoutreach

https://www.shoutcoalition.org/events/2nd-annual-shout-coalition-summit

02/08/2024

Yesterday we had a wonderful shOUT coalition general membership meeting. We have many exciting events and activities coming! Check out our meeting agenda and notes at the link below. If you are interested in becoming involved in the coalition check out our website and register for our next scheduled meeting. *xualhealth

https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?e=bdee77f13c&u=64c230fe81ad23f37de0b8ec1&id=271248f6f4

The Appalachian Highlands shOUT Coalition began as an initiative of the Appalachian Replication Project at James Madison University and did great work for 3 years. As you might know, unfortunately the Appalachian Replication Project did not receive continuing funding from the federal government, so....

04/13/2023

Want to learn more about our local resources and organizations in our community?

The shOUT Coalition hosts a FREE monthly webinar that spotlights local resources, trainings, and organizations. Don't miss our April webinar showcasing "The STAY Project."

The youth-led STAY Project is doing what few other organizations have done:

1. Having youth ask each other what they want and need in order to stay and work in their home communities.

2. Connecting them with the resources and skills they need to make their visions for Central Appalachia come true.

3. Recognizing that there are young leaders in the region who already creating change.

03/15/2023

Healthy Youth to Healthy Adults Summit: Charting a New Path

Save the date!
Thursday May 11, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bristol (VA) Train Station
101 MLK Jr Blvd
Bristol, VA

We know many factors influence physical and mental health, including access to information and care, education, support systems, stability, and a sense of belonging. We also know that youth in the Appalachian Highlands deserve the best foundation we can give them.

Join us for a summit that will build skills, forge community connections, and introduce new ways of thinking about adolescent health. Attendees will participate in workshops and working groups and have opportunities to visit and present at information tables. A light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages will be provided.

More information about presenters, registration, and possible CEUs coming soon. Find us on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information. Have questions or are interested in having a table? Contact [email protected]

The Appalachian Highlands S*xual Health Outreach (shOUT) Coalition engages with youth, their adults, and their communities to support youth well-being and s*xual health. shOUT envisions a future where young people in Appalachia are heard and respected and have all the information and support they need to lead whole, healthy lives. Members include Ballad Health's Department of Population Health, James Madison University’s Appalachian Replication Project, YWCA of Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia, RISE: Healthy for Life, the Russell County Health Coalition, and A Step Ahead Tri-Cities.

02/28/2023

Let's Talk about CONSENT!!! 🗣

01/09/2023

RISE: Healthy for Life is hosting:
"Helping Survivors Navigate Their Trauma Response"
March 7 10-11:30 a.m.
Offered via Zoom
Free & open to the public but registration required, sponsored by Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition

Cindi Huss and Jessie Birkeland, collaborating directors and certified trauma-informed care facilitators at RISE: Healthy for Life, will discuss how we can help survivors change the question, “What’s wrong with me?” to understanding that “Something happened to me and how I feel and behave ar...

01/04/2023

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. According to our friends at Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking - CCAHT , "Human trafficking happens when someone is forced to work or to have s*x, and it does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, race, or neighborhood. Most often, victims of trafficking aren’t trafficked by strangers; they are trafficked by someone they know."
We have provided a list of resources for anyone who may be in need of support. There is help out there.

12/23/2022

12/21/2022

CALLING ALL YOUTH! If you live in SW Virginia or NE Tennessee, we want to hear what you have to say about s*xual education and health. What information did you get? What do you think is important? What resources are difficult for youth to access? Please take a couple of minutes to help us learn how to better serve youth in our area--your voice matters. Fill out the survey at: https://forms.gle/2TyrU6HnCUCdSkzW6

12/21/2022

Happy Holidays everyone!

Below is a list of upcoming webinars brought to you by the shOUT Coalition! Please feel free to join. We would love to have you!

This Zoom link can be used for each of the webinars:
HTTPS://JMU-EDU.ZOOM.US/J/86850810053