New Education Room and Upcoming Health Expo Put the Focus on Youth

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 28, 2017

Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) provides family planning and reproductive health care services three days a week at 266 W. Main Street in Hillsboro. NHC is a contracted health care provider with Washington County Public Health, which provides support and resources to the organization.

Since May 2016, NHC has offered a walk-in clinic for individuals ages 24 and younger on Tuesdays from 3–7 p.m. at the Hillsboro location. Confidential services include family planning, reproductive health, birth control, pregnancy tests, STD testing and treatment, information about sexual health and referrals to other services.

With funding from the Oregon Health Authority Reproductive Health Program, Washington County Public Health and NHC have worked together to develop an education room where youth who come to the walk-in clinic can feel safe and comfortable. The Inukai Family Boys & Girls Club Youth Advisory Council played a key role in the design of the room, which is outfitted with games, lava lamps, snacks and reading materials.

“We want youth to see this clinic as a place not only to access reproductive health services, but also as a safe space to talk with our reproductive health program educator about topics that might feel difficult or uncomfortable,” says Public Health Program Supervisor Jessica Nye, Washington County’s reproductive health coordinator.

On Tuesday, August 8, Washington County Public Health and NHC are hosting a Teen Health Expo from 5–7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Hillsboro clinic location, just down the street from the Tuesday Night Market. Now in its second year, the event will include free food, games, information on teen health, and the opportunity to visit the walk-in clinic.

“This expo is open to everyone in the community,” says Vikki Villarreal, Washington County’s reproductive health program educator. “We encourage teens and families alike to stop by for an evening full of fun and family-friendly educational activities!”

Neighborhood Health Center also provides primary and dental care at 18650 NW Cornell Road in the Tanasbourne area. For more information about NHC, call 503-941-3016. To learn more about the Teen Health Expo, call Vikki Villarreal at 503-846-2815.

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