We strive to create an environment where every teen who walks in the door feels welcomed and understood. Teens know we’re there for them, regardless of race, ethnicity, income eligibility, English proficiency, gender identity, sexual preference, or documentation status. We make it easy for people to call or walk in, and being the inclusive, nonjudgmental, and fun-loving space that we are means sometimes they don’t want to leave!
Adolescent patients want and need to talk about important health issues that sometimes don’t get addressed in the examination rooms. Building relationships is how we make it okay for our young people open up.
We commonly face sensitive topics such as:
- Pregnancy and STI questions
- Drugs and alcohol
- Common mental health issues like depression and anxiety
- Developing healthier habits in diet, exercise, and stress management
When the health care system is designed by adults, for adults, it can sometimes overlook the unique needs of teenagers. Our Teen Advisory Committee provides feedback and opinions to the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center on health education materials and programs geared towards teens.
TRC also actively recruits teens to be a part of our staff. We believe their input and perspective is invaluable to the work that we do here. 30% of our current staff is made up of former program participants who have been positively impacted by TRC as a young person.
30% of our current staff is made up of former program participants
who have been positively impacted by TRC as a young person.
At the end of the day, we know we are not alone in this work. That’s why we have partnerships with over 20 organizations that offer quality services, ranging from youth mentorship to healthcare. By connecting youth to the best accessible resources that New York City has to offer, we alleviate some of the barriers that keep youth from developing into their best, most healthy selves.