Teen Health Arkansas launches with new resources for teens, families and communities to support healthy youth development
Released February 4, 2026
With the new Teen Health Arkansas, teens, families, and communities across the state can access resources and pursue local programs for comprehensive health education and advocacy training. The organization, an expansion of established Teen Health Mississippi, seeks champions and partners across the state to host events and programs designed to strengthen the skills of teens – and the adults who care for them – to understand and care for their bodies.
The expansion follows a series of pilot “Teen Talk Arkansas” sessions hosted across the state, where teens and parents met in peer groups and participated in facilitated dialogues exploring mental health, relationships, consent and sexual health in honest, judgment-free ways.
“Teens and parents in Arkansas want the same things: not just reliable information and options when it comes to comprehensive youth development, but the skills and the spaces to have honest, open conversations with each other,” Teen Health Mississippi Executive Director Hope Crenshaw, Ph.D., said. “Teen Health Arkansas brings the best education and advocacy approaches we’ve created in communities across the American South for local implementation in partnership with teens and the adults who care for them.”
The pilot took programs to six communities, including West Memphis, Lewisburg, Brinkley and Eudora, receiving strong community response and participation. The Teen Talk conversations at New Bethel Church in West Memphis were “eye-opening” and much-needed, said church liaison Ursula Weems.
“The response from parents floored me,” Weems said. “They weren’t just open to conversation. They were desperate for it. Teen Talk Arkansas is equipping teens and parents to make responsible and informed decisions.”
Teens, parents, and community leaders can access opportunities and resources through the website teenhealthar.org. The site provides more information about programs available in Arkansas and steps to partner with Teen Health Arkansas to make them available locally. There’s also a Resources section linking to comprehensive health resources to support youth development for teens and for parents.
“Adolescence is a time defined by changes – those we can see, and those that can only be felt,” Crenshaw said. “Teens need all of us in their corner as listeners and supporters, and as models for healthy development. Together, we can create a safe and healthy environment for teens to grow into their full potential. We’re proud to join with Arkansans of every age and community to make this the healthiest state for teens.”
About Teen Health Arkansas
Teen Health Arkansas is a nonprofit organization transforming teen health and improving outcomes in partnership with youth and the adults and systems that support them. Through youth-centered programs, training, advocacy and community engagement, Teen Health Arkansas supports communities across the state to create environments where healthy teens become thriving adults. Teen Health Arkansas was established under Teen Health Mississippi and follows its holistic, 360-degree approach to building power with and supporting young people on their journey to adulthood through comprehensive health education and resources.