AccessMatters To Hold Sexual Health Training 

Join AccessMatters on September 4 to celebrate World Sexual Health Day by participating in a virtual training! Sexual Health Essentials is a two-hour virtual workshop designed to equip participants with a working base knowledge of three areas essential to sexual health: sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraceptive options, and safer sex practices. Participants will learn basic information to support clients and members of their community on the topics of STIs, including testing, treatment, and navigating sexual health while living with chronic STIs.  

This training is ideal for clinical providers, community health workers, peer support workers, social service workers, and sexual health educators. Both participants who have not received previous training on the topics, as well as those seeking to refresh existing knowledge, are encouraged to participate. 

For more information or to register click here. 

Program Spotlight: AccessMatters’ Adolescent Health Work  

AccessMatters’ works to advance adolescent health and wellbeing through several programs. 

AccessMatters’ Adolescent Health Initiative (AHI) aims to support youth to make the best choices for their own sexual and reproductive health by providing information, education, and linkages and referrals to care. Through trained sexual health educators and partner organizations, AHI offers free evidence-based programs to Philadelphia youth ages 13-19.    Through a system-wide approach, AHI engages youth, families, professionals and improves health-related outcomes for young people in Philadelphia. 

Additionally, AccessMatters’ Health Resource Center Program provide adolescent sexual health programming to teens across the state through partnerships with schools and community-based organizations, ensuring that adolescents have access to evidence-based health resources. 

All adolescents looking for education, resources, or guidance in navigating sexual and reproductive health services are encouraged to call AccessMatters' Information Hotline, an information, referral, and counseling hotline. You can call the hotline at 215-985-3300 for free, confidential information, or text the hotline at 833-667-3377. 

AccessMatters’ Staff Presents at National Reproductive Health Conference 

In August, AccessMatters’ Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Shannon Criniti and Clinical Quality Deputy Director Audrey Burlando joined Dr. Aletha Akers to present on a panel titled “Implementing SRH Care in Various Clinical Settings Using Person-Centered Approaches” at the National Reproductive Health Conference, sponsored by the federally-funded Clinical Training Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health. The virtual panel discussion focused on building skills and knowledge to provide person-centered sexual and reproductive care tailored to an individual's needs and circumstances.  

Coalition Spotlight: Pennsylvania Campaign for Women’s Health 

AccessMatters’ is proud to help facilitate the PA Campaign for Women’s Health Coalition. Made up of over fifty organizations, the PA Campaign for Women’s Health brings together experts in policy and public health to organize and advocate for expansions in women’s healthcare. The PA Campaign for Women’s Health meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. In meetings, members of the coalition discuss advocacy strategy, share information about upcoming events, and organize with stakeholders in the sexual and reproductive health field. The PA Campaign for Women’s Health has been involved in planning lobby days, organizing community conversations, presenting policy briefings to legislative staff, and developing reports on women’s health to be used in legislative advocacy. For more information about the coalition or to become a member, email AccessMatters at info@accessmatters.org. 

August is Civic Health Month 

Did you know 80% of health outcomes can be attributed to non-clinical factors, like access to food and affordable housing? These factors are often called social determinants of health. This month is Civic Health Month, which highlights the connections between healthy communities and voter engagement. In August, healthcare organizations across the country are encouraged to participate in voter registration drives and education campaigns. Visit Vot-ER's Civic Heath Month page for more information on the connections between voting and public health.