Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Portrait Series

 

The #OldSchoolDASH Portrait Series highlights the work of CDC staff and external partners to protect teen health.

Click an image below to view larger.

Dr. Mermin

Dr. Jonathan Mermin, CDC

I want young people to know that we value them. Everything we do is to make sure that HIV/AIDS isn’t part of their future. I want parents and educators to know we support them as they raise young people into adulthood healthy and safe. – Dr. Kathleen Ethier, CDC

Dr. Kathleen Ethier, CDC

My advice to teens is to find a trusted adult at home, at school, or in the community that you can talk to and ask questions about HIV/AIDS. You are not alone and don’t have to figure out everything by yourself. – Carmen Ashley, CDC

Carmen Ashley, CDC

As parents and educators, we must give our youth the right tools in their toolkits for healthy decision making, not just the tools we prefer to use. – Patricia Ayers, Delaware Dept. of Education

Patricia Ayers,
Delaware Dept. of Education

I am grateful for the opportunity to work on the first study that showed a decrease in chlamydia associated with a school-based screening program—an important advancement for teen health. – Richard Dunville, CDC

Richard Dunville, CDC

As a public health professional and educator, I am proud to see how youth today are more empowered than ever to make informed decisions about their sexual health—thanks to more and better resources. - Kenyia Elisa-McLaren, Boston Public Schools

Kenyia Elisa-McLaren,
Boston Public Schools

One of the most important advancements I have seen while working in DASH over 26 years is that we have identified the characteristics that make health education interventions effective. We have learned what works and what needs improvement. - Pete Hunt, CDC

Pete Hunt, CDC

My message to youth is: Learning is fun, but learning together is awesome. Feeling connected to your school can set you up for real success in life—and not just good grades, but also good health. – Louis King, Mississippi Department of Education

Louis King,
Mississippi Department of Education

Looking back, I would tell my teenage self that it's okay to have questions about sex and health. All young people have a right to receive honest health information and most adults want to help. Start looking for an adult you can trust! - Rosalina Lopez, San Francisco Unified School District

Rosalia Lopez,
San Francisco Unified School District

I wish I could tell my younger self what we teach our students today: being healthy is important, healthy relationship are valuable, and learning to speak up for yourself is an essential part of growing up. - Rachel Miller, San Diego Unified School District

Rachel Miller,
San Diego Unified School District

My advice? Become the trusted adult that you would have wanted to talk with when you were a teen - Dr. John Moore, CDC

Dr. John Moore, CDC

Investing in teen health programs in schools is important because healthy students = healthy learners = healthy schools. - Terry Parker, CDC

Terry Parker, CDC

As a parent and an educator, I am thrilled that we have talented health education teachers in our schools. The factual, up-to-date information they provide really helps our young people make wise choices. – Christopher Pepper, San Francisco Unified School District

Christopher Pepper,
San Francisco Unified School District

We need to continuously highlight the research-based connections among education, health, housing, and economic conditions, as well as work across those systems to create environments where youth can thrive. Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Rhode Island Department of Education

Rosemary Reilly-Chammat,
Rhode Island Department of Education

My message for educators: Connect with your students today. Students who feel connected to their school and to supportive adults are less likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. – Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum, American Psychological Association

Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum,
American Psychological Association

The message I want to share with youth is that there are so many places to receive free, confidential HIV testing by caring and compassionate health care providers. Set up an appointment today! – Susanne Schmal, North Carolina Healthy Schools

Susanne Schmal,
North Carolina Healthy Schools

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the results from DASH’s work with the YRBS and School Health Profiles. These surveys help inform curriculum, policy, and program design to ensure teens today becomes healthier, happier, and more successful – Shari Shanklin, CDC

Shari Shanklin, CDC

One piece of advice I would give myself as a teen: Find at least one knowledgeable and trusted adult to ask questions about sexual health. There’s a lot of misinformation, so it’s important to get the facts. – Valerie Sims, CDC

Valerie Sims, CDC

My favorite part about working with teens is seeing their passion and commitment to not only seek out sexual health information for themselves, but to also make this information accessible for other teens. – Mary Beth Szydlowski, Advocates for Youth

Mary Beth Szydlowski,
Advocates for Youth

DASH has the big picture perspective on the village it takes to raise a child. We connect the data, resources, and the gifted folks who make children’s health a priority. – Lisa Whittle, CDC

Lisa Whittle, CDC

Get Email Updates

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

What's this? Submit
TOP