FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@aclu.org

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio unveiled its new Spanish guide on teen health, “Tu Salud y La Ley: Una Guía para Adolescentes.”  A translated and updated version of, “Your Health and the Law: A Guide for Teens,” this booklet provides insight into both Ohio and federal laws regarding teen health care with the adolescent reader in mind.

 “The initial response to the English Teen Health Guide was overwhelming,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. “We began to receive several requests for a Spanish version, and it became evident that there was a need for one to cater to the growing Spanish speaking population in Ohio.”

Link continued, “This resource contains vital information on teen medical rights that every young person, parent, educator, social worker and medical professional should have. By providing this information in Spanish, more Ohioans will be able to have access to accurate information about their rights when they need medical care.”

Since its launch in 2000, the English Teen Health Guide has gone through three editions and been distributed to tens of thousands of people in Ohio either electronically or in hard copy.

Every day, teens are faced with adult situations and little information about where to get help. Out of fear or embarrassment, numerous adolescents avoid seeking help and exercising their health care rights. The ACLU’s Teen Health Guide covers the health issues that teens need most; topics include family planning, mental health counseling, sexual health, eating disorders, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

The Teen Health Guide has legal explanations about the health care rights of minors, written in terms that a teen can understand. The guide also has definitions of health-related words and real life scenarios to help the teens make decisions from the full array of choices available to them. Most importantly, the Spanish Teen Health Guide provides contact information for resources and social service agencies for further assistance. 

Information on how to obtain Tu Salud y La Ley: Una Guía para Adolescentes is available on the ACLU of Ohio website:
www.acluohio.org