100 teens attend institute’s inaugural Teen Health Summit

JANS – On Saturday, Dec. 7, one hundred teens from across the State of Mississippi converged on the campus of Tougaloo College for the inaugural Teen Health Summit.  Sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, the Teen Health Summit inspired and empowered teens to improve their well-being.  Using the theme “Breaking the Silence on Teen Health,” the event addressed critical topics such as body image, social and emotional health, overall wellness, and sexual health via interactive group and breakout sessions.  Following lunch, attendees enjoyed a Friendly Feud Game and Sneaker Ball.

Dr. Dominique Miller, an educator and youth leader from Grenada, MS, expressed her gratitude for the summit. “It was an amazing opportunity,” Dr. Miller said. “I was pleased to see the amount of information disseminated that will better prepare teens for the challenges they face daily.  There are not a lot of opportunities to gain this knowledge in our area so the drive down to Jackson was worth it.”

Among the attendees were twins Jolie and Elizabeth Stallworth, juniors at the Tougaloo College Early College High School.  Both found the summit’s workshops and interactive sessions both valuable and enjoyable. “I connected with my peers who share similar interests and gained knowledge to help me make better decisions about my well-being,” said Elizabeth. Jolie echoed her sister’s sentiments, stating, “I attended the Teen Health Summit to develop better habits mentally and physically.”

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health regularly implements outreach activities to reduce health disparities within minority communities.  The Teen Health Summit was their first event geared specifically toward teens. “This is important because we know that health behaviors are passed down through generations,” said Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO/Founding President of the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. “Promoting health among youth will lead to healthier adults in the future.”

The Teen Health Summit will be an annual event.  For more information on the Institute and its programs, visit www.minority-institute.org.