Adolescent Health

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. 

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.

Access health data on our Adolescent Health Data Dashboard on the Washington Tracking Network website.

Learn more about Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health.

Learn more about all of our projects and programs at Teen Links and Resources: Washington State Department of Health.

• 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!