A2: Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) listened to & learned from 120+ youth, young adults, & providers to develop actionable guidance to identify, address, prevent, & #EndHumanTrafficking. See some of our recommendations in this graphic & learn more here: tnoys.org/publications/ #TNOYSTownHall

Q4: Housing is sexual exploitation prevention. Providers can connect youth to housing and shelter, but we need the support of #txlege and our cities to ensure enough housing and shelter for Texas youth and young adults to #EndHumanTrafficking #TNOYSTownhall

Ronald joined me @ the Capitol in '23 to ask the #txlege to support homeless youth. Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) empowers youth to use their voice to create change. But it helps in many ways. My time with Ronald helped me grow & he educated some legislators. That ain't easy. Success! #TNOYSTownhall

Last week, TNOYS was in Washington DC to uplift issues around youth experiencing homelessness and supporting older youth in foster care. We were excited to travel with YALC alum Marlayna and join TNOYS members LifeWorks and CitySquare TRAC to meet with our elected officials. (1/2)

The moment has finally arrived! March 6-7 is #AmplifyAustinDay, the biggest giving event in Central Texas. Show your support for TNOYS and the youth and young adults we serve by contributing to our donation goals: amplifyatx.org/organizations/…

A1: There are numerous barriers for young adults to have their health needs met, like access to prescriptions or transportation to appointments, but we won't know what they are if we don't listen to the young adults! Current YALC Member, Kirsten names a few here:

A2. YYA experiencing homelessness share that they want to eat healthy and focus on their health, but they need to survive today. They must spend their time finding next meal or where to sleep tonight; they don't have time to think about health. #TNOYSTownHall #HousingisHealthCare

A3: Medicaid reimbursement rates are too low. Without increases, we'll continue to see a shortage of health and mental health professionals serving the Medicaid population in need of healthcare and mental health support. Increase rates - increase access. #TNOYSTownHall

Q7: The next #txlege session begins in January 2025. How can lawmakers better support the health and mental health needs of YYA who are vulnerable to systems-involvement or currently impacted by systems? #TNOYSTownHall

A7: Lawmakers should increase funding for mental health services, improve access to care, and address systemic inequalities for YYA. #TNOYSTownHall #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

A6. Not all YYA have parents or trusted adults to help navigate health care. Last year Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) published this Healthcare Brief to help healthcare and youth services professionals & policymakers to support YYA and improve YYA health outcomes. #TNOYSTownHall tinyurl.com/mvj7aeur

A7. We hear it constantly from youth and youth-services professionals. YYA need more access to mental health services & they need it earlier! Supports and education about mental health needs to be available in schools-where our youth are! And it needs to be funded! #TNOYSTownHall