Monday, March 26, 2012

Contact: Rachel Cooke - 202.419.3420 x45

First-of-Its-Kind Analysis of PEPFAR's Youth Policies

In a newly-released report, Advocates for Youth examines the youth HIV prevention policies being implemented by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) and outlines a series of policy recommendations to help the agency and other policymakers make improvements. This first-of-its-kind, in-depth analysis assesses youth policies within the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), including its legislative authority, its most recent five-year strategy, relevant guidance documents, and all twenty-one PEPFAR country Partnership Frameworks currently available.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Here at Advocates for Youth we believe that young people matter. A lot. When half of the world's population is under 25, it is to everyone's advantage — especially elected officials, decision makers, and members of the media — to listen closely to young people's voices. But what are the issues that matter most to them?

During the next few months we'll be posting blogs about Millennial viewpoints — who they are, what they do, and how their attitudes and beliefs are shaping our world. In fact, our first blog post was just published on Politico. Check it out, share it out, and comment. Also, please check out our new website section about Millennials. It's brimming with facts, polling data, and amazing infographics.

Millennials, young people 30 and under, are coming of age in a world vastly different from that of their parents and grandparents. The Millennial generation is diverse, technologically savvy, open minded, and committed to sexual health and rights. In fact, this generation may just be the most pro-sexual health generation in U.S. history and has the potential to put America on course to become a truly sexually healthy nation.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Contact: Rachel Cooke - 202.419.3420 x45

Young People's Voices Heard Loud and Clear

Statement from Debra Hauser, Executive Director, Advocates for Youth

Young women across the country are now one step closer to accessing birth control. Today the Obama Administration announced that student health plans will need to cover preventive services without co-pay or deductible. Starting in August, most student health plans will have to cover contraception. Schools that currently do not cover contraception will be given the opportunity to apply for a one-year waiver.

Since the beginning of the current health care debate, young people have been consistent in their vocal demand that the new health care law reflects their needs, and today's announcement from the White House is a result of their determination. From young people organizing across the country to Sandra Fluke's testimony before Congress, students have fought for contraceptive coverage to be recognized as basic health care - no matter where they go to school. The Administration has heard their voices and agrees.