Our Programs
Re:MIX
USA
| 2015-2020
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this program aimed to reduce rates of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among teens in Austin, Texas, through comprehensive sexuality education.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas ranks 9th highest in the country for teen birth rate (24 per 1,000 births), 13th for chlamydial infections (523.6 per 100,000 persons), and 11th for gonorrheal infections (147.3 per 100,000 persons).
Re:MIX was a comprehensive, inclusive health education program that included age-appropriate, medically accurate information on a broad set of topics related to human development, healthy relationships, gender, contraception, informed decision making, and infection prevention. Recognizing that youth who believe their peers are practicing healthy decision-making are likely to practice them as well, Re:MIX engaged young parents to serve as peer educators to co-facilitate sessions alongside professional health educators. In addition to facilitating the Re:MIX curriculum, the peer educators participated in a professional development and leadership program to help them build a strong foundation for future success.
From 2015 to 2020, EngenderHealth delivered Re:MIX to adolescents (13 to 17 years old) and young parents (18 to 24 years old), providing participants with opportunities to learn and practice crucial skills teens need to make responsible, healthy decisions to best support their needs and aspirations. The Re:MIX program was evaluated through a randomized controlled trial study and rigorous evaluations demonstrated that program had a positive impact on participants’ knowledge about sexually transmitted infection prevention and contraception efficacy. In addition, participants indicated significantly higher measures of knowledge and intentionality related to sexual activity, contraception efficacy and access, and consent, when compared to students from the control group.
Lastly, in the final year of programming, Re:MIX staff trained 45 educators and youth-serving professionals across 10 organizations, contributing to a collective reach to approximately 10,000 young people. Following these trainings, educators and providers reported having increased knowledge, comfort, and competencies in ensuring classroom inclusivity, answering youth questions about sexual health topics, and employing interactive methods to engage and build rapport with youth.
