ADOLESCENT HEALTH: Advocates for Youth Unveils New Center
Advocates for Youth yesterday announced the launch of its new Center for Adolescent Health & the Law, which will conduct research, analyze policy issues and publish articles on teens' health and reproductive needs. Abigail English, a "nationally recognized legal expert" and former Advocates board member, will take the helm of the new center, which will focus on legal and policy concerns such as: inclusion of teens in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program; coverage of teens in public programs, insurance and managed care; confidentiality of teens' health information; teen consent for health care; and teens' participation in research studies. "Rapid shifts toward managed care, combined with health insurance reforms at the state and national levels, are having a dramatic impact on adolescents' access to essential health services," English said. She added, "With a unique combination of legal, policy and research expertise, the center hopes to play a critical role in helping policymakers, health care providers and others understand how changes in these broader systems will affect young people's health." Advocates President James Wagoner said, "Too often, public policy aimed at preventing teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease is based on ideology, rather than on science and accurate legal information." For information on the center or Advocates for Youth, call 202-347-5700 (Advocates release, 4/12).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.