Reproductive and Sexual Health Resources

Young people face many barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health care, including confidentiality concerns,and lack of financial resources and transportation, among others. As a youth-friendly and accessible setting, school-based health centers (SBHCs) are uniquely positioned to deliver quality and confidential sexual and reproductive health services that can equip adolescents with the necessary information, tools,and support to be healthy, safe,and ready to learn.

Reproductive and Sexual Health Education

What is Sexual Health?

 Sexual health is a state of well-being in relation to sexuality across the life span that involves physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions. Sexual health is an intrinsic element of human health and is based on a positive, equitable, and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships, and reproduction that is free of coercion, fear, discrimination, stigma, shame, and violence. It includes: the ability to understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of sexual behavior; the prevention and care of disease and other adverse outcomes; and the possibility of fulfilling sexual relationships. Sexual health is impacted by socioeconomic and cultural contexts—including policies, practices, and services—that support healthy outcomes for individuals, families, and their communities.1

National School-Based Health Alliance Position Statement

National Organization for Women New York City

Menstural, Reproductive, & Sexual Health Products

New York State requires all school districts, serving students grades six through twelve, to provide free feminine hygiene products in restrooms. This new law will ensure all young people across the State have equal access to these essential products. Below are some resources for donating and finding products as well as information on how to safely use these products

  • Woman to Woman: Food Bank’s Woman to Woman campaign helps raise awareness and financial support to ensure all women and girls in our city have access to the products they need with dignity.
  • NYC’s Condom Availability Program: gives away more than 30 million free safer sex products every year to over 3,500 locations throughout the five boroughs. These free products include male NYC Condoms, internal condoms (FC2) and lubricant.
  • Where to Get PrEP and PEP in New York City: There are several ways you can get pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the city which helps prevent  HIV even after exposure.
  • Planned Parenthood: provides services such as birth control, emergency contraception, HIV services, pregnancy testing, and STI testing, treatment and vaccines.

 

Resources for SBHCs and Staff

Resources for Students

  • Advocates for Youth: Advocates for Youth works alongside thousands of young people here in the U.S. and around the globe as they fight for sexual health, rights, and justice.
  • Long-term Birth Control Methods: information on different forms of birth control to inform students decisions
  • Bedsider Health Center Locator: Bedsider has a website for youth which explains the various birth control methods, where to get them, reminders to take birth control, and frequently asked questions.
  • Sex, etc.: a website created by teens, for teens. It has various sexual health resources.
  • I Wanna Know: a website on sexual health for teens and young adults. Topics covered include: sexual health, STIs, relationships, and LGBTQ youth.
  • The Door: The Door’s mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment.

Resources for Parents/Caregivers

Literature on SBHCs and Reproductive Health

For a full database on published literature related to School-based health centers and Reproductive Health visit the SBHC Literature Database built by the National School-Based Health Alliance. Below are some papers we believe highlight the important role of SBHCs in Reproductive and Sexual Health Education