Youth Health Initiative
Empowering Youth. Improving Health.
This Month’s Theme
Women’s health is a vital part of building strong, informed, and resilient communities. Our organization is dedicated to educating youth on key women’s health topics, promoting awareness, and breaking stigmas surrounding issues such as menstrual health, reproductive care, and overall well-being. By empowering young people with knowledge and leadership opportunities, we aim to create lasting change and improve health outcomes for women everywhere. Through our partnership this month with Days for Girls, we help create reusable menstrual kits for individuals who lack access to essential menstrual products. These kits provide a sustainable, dignified solution that supports health, education, and confidence for those in need.
Local Issues
Mental Struggles
Across Ohio, about 20% of middle school students and 33% of high school students report that their mental health is not good most or all of the time. Emotional struggles, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and other mental health challenges continue to rise among youth.
Locally, surveys show that around 1 in 4 teens in Cuyahoga County report depressive symptoms, and about 1 in 6 have seriously considered suicide — figures that highlight the urgency of support and community-based resources.
General Health Access
In Cuyahoga County, where neighborhood conditions vary widely, health outcomes and life expectancy can differ dramatically depending on where someone lives. Residents in areas with high poverty and fewer resources often face poorer health and shorter lives — with life expectancy varying by up to about 23 years between nearby communities, showing how deeply social and economic conditions shape health opportunities.