Another week and more snow in New Jersey. It is not uncommon for families to experience injuries, illnesses, and other incidents during these weather conditions. We need healthcare to treat any incident. With or without incidents, youth and young adults also have physical, mental, or sexual health needs. And it is important for youth and young adults to start developing health advocacy skills.
The youth or 'chatters' shared their experiences at the doctor's office. And they all experience a trip to the doctor's office differently, but they all have questions to ask their doctor. But this is not always easy to do if another person is speaking for them.
Teens and young adults are known to be nervous or having trouble asking personal questions. It is important to create a relationship with your doctor. A tip is to write your questions ahead of time for your doctor to answer. There are options for healthcare if there are issues to access, check out the following options:
● Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
New Jersey’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) offer a wide range of health care services for the entire family. You don’t need health insurance to get care at a center. Centers serve the uninsured and underinsured, as well as patients with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. If you’re uninsured, your bill will be based on your ability to pay. No one has ever turned away for lack of funds. Search for Federally Qualified Health Centers here: https://healthapps.state.nj.us/fhs/cphc/cphcSearch.aspx
● Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a health care provider specializing in reproductive and sexual healthcare. Through pregnancy prevention, STD prevention, and sex education, Planned Parenthood empowers teens to make informed choices and lead healthy lives. With 28 offices in New Jersey, there is most likely one close to where you live.
● Mental Healthcare
NJ Children's System of Care has connections with many different types of supports if you or someone you know needs help. You can see all they have to offer by visiting here: https://www.performcarenj.org/youth/index.aspx
Are there any health-related resources you'd like to share? Do you have any questions about the resources we shared? Let us know in the comments below!
*Next week's chat, we will have Atif Deen as a guest speaker. He is a YASA board member who will be asked panel-style questions on Self-Led IEP. He is a young adult with a disability that has advocated for his needs at work, school, and healthcare.
The SPAN youth chat is under 'Resources' to register. Share with your family, friends, and co-workers to join us!
Author,
Jeremy Hayer
*This section has been edited due to a change of events. The SPAN youth chat will still be hosted this upcoming Wednesday, but there will be no guest speaker.
Resources:
The SPAN Youth Chat: the-span-youth-chat
Mental Health: https://www.performcarenj.org/youth/index.aspx
The CDC-Different COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html
Youth-Focused Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGXju3IK5UOWXGDV1Fzfrc2DJuDDqOKTu
Subscribe to SPAN's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SPANAdvocacy
Link to SPAN's website: https://spanadvocacy.org/
Link to SPAN’s Youth In the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We’re here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726
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