What's Happening

By Reilly O'Neal | June 25, 2024
Contractor, ETR

Status neutral HIV prevention and care is a “whole person” approach that links people with services to meet their needs, whatever their HIV status may be. This holistic approach to care recognizes clients have multiple—sometimes competing—medical and psychosocial needs, which can pose a barrier to accessing HIV prevention and care.

By Karin Coyle, PhD, Chief Science Officer, ETR | Pamela M. Anderson, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, ETR | Lauren Ranalli, MPH, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, ETR | May 28, 2024

Evidence-based pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing unplanned pregnancy or associated behavioral risk factors, such as delaying sexual activity or increasing condom or contraceptive use. While teen birth rates have reached a record low in 2023, STI rates have increased dramatically. Additionally, there are evolving issues among youth, including mental health, bullying, body image, and online safety, that should be addressed in sexual health education. As a result, the need for innovation in sexual health education is stronger than before.

By Nicole Morgan, MPH | May 31, 2024
Program Manager, ETR

World No Tobacco Day is a global awareness day, celebrated annually on May 31 to bring attention to the harm caused by the commercial tobacco epidemic and to promote protection for future generations. The commercial tobacco industry is product and profit-driven, with no connection to spiritual or respectful use like seen within Tribal communities and traditional tobacco.

By Jessica Neupane, MPH | May 21, 2024

May marks Sex Ed for All Month, which is an opportunity to voice our shared commitment to a world where all young people get equitable access to the education and care they deserve, no matter who they are or where they live. Sexual health education and programs that are LGBTQIA+ inclusive, medically accurate, and culturally relevant for all youth are often inaccessible for young people.

By Azzia Thompson, MPH, CHES | May 14, 2024

ETR involves young people in co-creating innovative, science-based health solutions from concept to scale by amplifying their voices, knowledge, and lived experiences. The youth engagement strategies cited in this blog have been integral to the success of these projects, which I am proud to have been a part of!

By Vignetta Charles, PhD | May 4, 2024
Chief Executive Officer, ETR

Happy May the Fourth!  Annually, I write reflections on what Star Wars has taught me about leadership and organizational development at ETR. I usually write in late April when my reflections are very current to the moment. This year, I’m writing this in March since I will be on sabbatical in April and May—which means I’m on sabbatical as you read this blog post. As a person for whom working is a core part of my identity, I struggled with the idea of a sabbatical. 

By ETR’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Team | Aprill 22, 2024

Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22nd, invites us to look at our impact on the environment. This year, the observance focuses on the issue of plastic pollution with a theme of “Planet vs. Plastics.” It is not just about the plastic bags, bottles, and straws we often hear about—Tobacco products, like cigarettes and e-cigarettes, are also a big part of the problem.  

By Reilly O'Neal | March 20, 2024
Contractor, ETR

Factors beyond our individual behavior can make it easier or harder to engage with HIV prevention and care. These factors are known as social determinants of health. In honor of LGBT Health Awareness Week, we wanted to highlight how social determinants of health can affect HIV prevention and care, as well as how you can access our free course on social determinants of health and HIV available through CDCTRAIN.  

By The ETR Team |  February 8, 2024

In honor of National Condom Month, we’re here to discuss innovative research on condom misuse and effective strategies in condom education. What are the most common errors high school students make about condom use? Thanks to some recent research by ETR and our partners at Public Health, Seattle & King County, we can share some insights on that question.   

By Ravena Soto | November 16, 2023

California is home to 109 federally recognized Tribes, yet many residents are unfamiliar with the plethora of unique cultures that surround them. The Indian gaming industry has created visibility but has not rectified misperceptions. In many circumstances, it has contributed to new misunderstandings. The very concept of contemporary California Tribal people navigating the complexities of modern life is hard for many to comprehend.

By Jessica Neupane, MPH | November 15, 2023

In honor of Thanks, Birth Control Day, ETR wants to show support for the birth control access movement and contraceptive education. At ETR, we believe everyone deserves access to and education about birth control methods that work best for their body, their life, and their goals. 

By Janine Driver (JD), MA | November 9, 2023

In this blog series, ETR experts will share best practices for hosting accessible events and centering equity in convenings. We believe in the power and possibility of cultivating accessible spaces, especially in the fight for health equity. As an organization with deep expertise in convening people from around the world for dynamic in-person and virtual events, we are committed to creating learning environments that center the diverse needs of the communities they aim to serve. 

By Kelly Gainor, MEd, Li Lock, PhD, MEd, & Lauren Ranalli, MPH | September 21, 2023

With over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pills now a reality for people across the United States, adolescents will soon have greater access to contraception- a huge step forward in reducing unplanned pregnancies and managing ongoing health conditions! But even with this expanded access, there are still significant roles that educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and other trusted adults can play in helping young people navigate their sexual health choices.

By The ETR Team | August 31, 2023

When it comes to evaluating and disseminating research, many organizations will often play multiple roles in the process. For example, in the field of public health, organizations may develop a new product or curriculum, serve as the evaluator to test the effectiveness, or take the lead in disseminating the findings or product to a large-scale audience. In any of these roles, there is a potential for real or perceived conflicts of interest.

By Sarah Han, MPH | August 25, 2023

Young people face multiple challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, with stigma from providers and staff and compromised confidentiality and privacy as key barriers. Learn more about Sarah Han's experiences as a part of a globally representative advisory group of young professionals at Women Deliver 2023 in Rwanda for the Measuring Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (MY SRH) Initiative led by Metrics for Management.

By Lauren Ranalli, MPH | August 2, 2023

Virtual visits and telemedicine have become more readily available since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with in-person health care visits, the key elements of adolescent-centered care should be implemented when seeing patients remotely. By doing this successfully, we can empower young people to actively participate in their health care.

By Kaleigh Cornelison, MSW | July 21, 2023

Headlines about the risks and negative impacts of social media use for adolescents are seemingly everywhere, which can lead to daunting conversations for caring adults. As you lean into these conversations with young people, consider these five strategies to open those lines of communication.

By Li Lock, PhD, MEd | June 16, 2023

HIV services have historically been split into prevention and treatment, often with additional services, such as primary care and housing, more readily available to those on the treatment side. However, there’s a new topic emerging in HIV services that can help change the landscape of HIV prevention and care, as well as your direct work with your community: status neutral.