by William McDermott ‘15

In order to get teens resources to address difficulties and to make needed information more easily accessible, the Montgomery County Commission on Children and Youth has been tasked to distribute Teen Help Cards to high school students.

Available as tri-folds in the school nurse’s office, these cards have a list of phone numbers written on them for a variety of teen needs. They provide health and mental services, crisis assistance, information and referral services, teen parent support programs, child care, nutrition, family planning, pregnancy support, educational and vocational services, and emergency food or supplies.

“It is critically important that teens know where they can go for accurate information and services,” said Alies Muskin, the past Chair of the Commission.  “Navigating the system of public and private agency providers can be challenging for anyone: the Teen Help Card breaks information down into logical categories without the jargon that can be a barrier to seeking help.”