Adolescent Health

Group of six teenagers sitting on steps, smiling, and looking at the camera.

Washington State has more young people today than ever before! The health status of adolescents and young adults in the state is reflected across several data sources, including those that show teen pregnancy rates, repeat teen pregnancy rates, and sexually transmitted infections are lower here than the national average for some demographic groups, and higher for others. Educational and social outcomes, such as graduation rates, housing, childcare, and healthcare access also differ for under-resourced groups and historically marginalized populations. 

  • Our Vision: Serve as a statewide leader in optimizing the health, well-being, and development of all adolescents and young adults. 
  • Our Mission: The AYAH Unit - in collaboration with partners - provides programs and influences policies that promote the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults where they live, learn, work, and play.
  • Our Values: We value accessibility, data-driven programming, diversity, equity and social justice, a holistic and human-centered approach, innovation, and the voices of young people in Washington.

The Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit (AYAH) at the state Department of Health focuses on changing negative trends and uses data and innovation to support adolescents and young adults across the state to receive the skills, healthcare, and social/emotional support needed to reach their optimal state of health.

Adolescent Health Data

Washington State

National

Adolescent and Young Adult Health Needs Assessment 2024

In 2024, the Adolescent and Young Adult Health team at the Department of Health (DOH) completed a mini-needs assessment to understand the state of adolescent and young adult health care in Washington and the support needs of those who serve teens and young adults. During a series of engagement activities, youth-serving medical and behavioral health providers and professionals shared their feedback and insight on important adolescent health topics, including adolescent well visits.

Over 70 providers participated in engagement activities. Learn more about the needs assessment and providers' perspectives on adolescent health.