DHSS highlights free adolescent health resources during “Let’s Talk Month”

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Governor Mike Parson proclaimed October as “Let’s Talk Month.” This proclamation seeks to raise awareness of the importance of open, honest and ongoing communication with youth about all aspects of health and encouraging lifelong healthy practices. To support this endeavor, the Adolescent and School Health Program within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is sharing information about resources to help make these conversations a bit easier.

“Connect with Me” resources are tools to strengthen connections and help start meaningful conversations between youth and adults. Available as both a physical set of cards and a mobile app, Connect with Me includes questions within youth-relevant categories, such as body image or mental health, designed to kickstart discussions that might not naturally come up. Additional resources to help with these conversations are offered on the DHSS Connect with Me webpage, along with materials on specific youth topics that can be ordered at no cost. Topics are regularly reviewed and added as identified.

“Our adolescent health team is always looking for additional ways to serve Missouri youth and those who care for and support them in their developmental journey,” said Paula F. Nickelson, director of DHSS. “Talking with teens is not always easy, but the more resources you have to help communicate, the more prepared and comfortable you both are for the highs and lows of adolescence.”

Connect with Me resources can offer a range from basic conversation starters to deeper-diving prompts. Download the app or order a physical set of cards. Physical resources on specific youth-related topics and promotional materials can be ordered from this online form.