Being a Teen

     Erie Family Health Teen Center is the only freestanding comprehensive teen health center in the Chicagoland area. The Teen Center offers a variety of low-cost services to patients. It offers contraception services, STI testing, and behavioral health services, among many others. When I first began as a health educator at the Teen Center I was amazed at the amount of care that was given to teens in Chicago.

     The Teen Center is unique in the services it provides to community members between the ages of 12 and 24. They are a part of the Title X program which offers family planning services at little or no cost. This federal grant program was designed to help those who are low-income, uninsured, or would otherwise be unable to access these services.

     Being a teenager can be challenging, not to mention taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. It can also be difficult for teens to access services they really need. The Teen Center provides a safe and welcoming environment for teens to obtain comprehensive care while feeling comfortable and empowered. Teens have control of their health, the provider they want to see, and the services they want to receive beginning at the age of 12.

     As I started at the Teen Center I was welcomed with open arms by all of the staff and have integrated into the family here at the Teen Center. It isn't like any position I've had before. While the clinic provides support to teens in the area, they also provide support to fellow co-workers. I'm happy to know that I always can look to others for advice, encouragement, and a positive outlook.

     As a clinic family, we have been in the process of moving to a new permanent location in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Historically, this area has faced high rates of STIs and teenage pregnancies.  It is an area that will greatly benefit from the services the Teen Center can provide. I know that the Teen Center staff and I are ready to move into this area and start providing exceptional service to a population in need. As a team, we hope to improve the health and well-being of Humboldt Park's youth.

This post was written by CHC member Lacey Johnson.

Lacey serves as a Health Educator at Erie Family Health Teen Center.