In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Peer Health Exchange, a national non-profit organization focused on youth health equity, is urging policymakers to prioritize mental health support for young people, particularly those from marginalized communities. The call comes in light of alarming data from The Trevor Project, which reported a staggering 700% increase in emergency calls, texts, and chats from LGBTQ+ youth following the election, underscoring the urgent need for identity-affirming mental health resources.
Youth from marginalized backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, and other underserved groups, often face barriers to accessing the critical health education and mental health support they need. This lack of access not only threatens their immediate well-being but also jeopardizes their long-term health outcomes.
In response to this crisis, Peer Health Exchange has amplified its efforts to provide inclusive, supportive spaces for young people through initiatives like the selfsea platform. Launched in 2021 in collaboration with the organization’s Youth Design Group (YDG), selfsea.org is a free, digital resource library designed to help youth navigate challenges related to mental health, identity, sexual health, and substance use.
Selfsea’s resource library offers a wide array of topics, including mental health support, sexual and reproductive health, and guidance on substance use. The platform also features a video library where young people share their personal experiences and coping strategies. Youth can personalize their experience by filtering content based on factors such as race, location, and sexual or gender identity. Dr. Angela Diaz, an expert in adolescent health, praised the platform’s inclusive approach: “Whether you are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, an immigrant, or whoever you are, there is no judgment—simply a lot of understanding and support.”
Julia Weisman, a high school senior, echoed the value of the platform, saying, “Through selfsea, I can access resources to help deal with difficult emotions.” The platform’s emphasis on empowerment and self-esteem has made it an essential tool for many young people during a time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty.
Peer Health Exchange CEO, Dr. Angela Glymph, stressed the importance of continued investment in youth health education: “Now more than ever, we must invest in youth health education to create a world where every young person has full access to a happy, healthy life.” The organization is calling on individuals, organizations, and policymakers to prioritize the mental health of young people, ensuring equitable access to supportive resources like selfsea.org.
Peer Health Exchange is committed to providing health education opportunities that enable young people to make informed, healthy decisions. Through partnerships with local organizations, the non-profit aims to improve health outcomes for youth in under-resourced communities across the nation.
About Peer Health Exchange
Peer Health Exchange (PHE) works to advance health equity by creating education opportunities that empower young people to make healthy decisions. Through peer-led programs, PHE collaborates with under-resourced communities to improve health outcomes for youth.
About Selfsea
Selfsea, powered by Peer Health Exchange, is a safe and inclusive online platform that offers over 600,000 young people access to evidence-based, identity-affirming health resources. It serves as a critical tool for youth seeking support on mental health, sexual health, and other essential topics.
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