👧🏾 Girls’ Health in the U.S.: A Guide for Immigrant Youth

Taking care of our health is important for all girls and boys. We all need love, support, and good habits to grow strong and feel our best. But as girls grow up, their bodies go through changes that can bring up questions and new feelings. Talking and learning about these changes can help you feel more confident, calm, and prepared. 

Moving to another country can be difficult, especially when you’re not sure how to take care of your health. ImportaMí wants to remind you with this article that, even though life can feel overwhelming at times, you are not alone! There are people and organizations that want to help you, and there are safe spaces where you can get that help. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about girls’ health in a simple and friendly way so you can better understand your body and know where to find support in this new environment. 

👧🏾 What does “health” mean for girls? 

Girls’ health includes everything from physical and mental well-being, to reproductive and emotional health. Here are some key areas: 

• 🩺 General physical health:
  • regular check-ups, vaccinations, nutrition, exercise, and sleep
• 🤰🏾 Reproductive health:
  • understanding your body and your rights
  • menstrual care, including learning about your period, hygiene products, and how to manage symptoms like cramps or irregular cycles
  • understanding birth control options and how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • knowing when and how to access care
• 🧠 Mental health:
  • managing stress, anxiety, and emotions, and knowing when to ask for help
  • coping with trauma
• 🫂 Safety and support:
  • feeling safe at home, school, and in your community
  • feeling safe in your romantic relationships
  • knowing where and how to ask for help when you don’t feel safe or when you need support 
     

📍 Where to Get Help 

Here are some trusted places to find care and support: 

COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINICS: 

Community health clinics (sometimes called public health centers or free clinics) offer low-cost or free health services to people who don’t have insurance and/or who qualify as low-income.  

• General info and services:
  • often provide services in multiple languages and offer care regardless of immigration status.
  • usually have payment plans or low-cost services for patients who don’t have health insurance. The amount that you pay is based on how much money you make.
  • are a great place to go for general women’s wellness exams, for advice about birth control and safe sex, and for any physical concerts that you may have.
  • Can provide you with information about local resources. Many states have programs that help pay for care related to breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other women’s health concerns for low-income patients.
  • Often provide mental health services, or can provide a referral to other community/low-cost mental health services.
• How do I find a community health center near me?
  • Community health centers are sometimes called public health centers, clinics, free clinics, or community family health centers. Try doing a google search for these terms in your area.
  • Ask for information at your local community center or local public library. Sometimes community centers and public libraries will also host informational sessions, where you can talk to a professional who can explain the local healthcare center options for you.
    • Note: If you need help finding a community health center near you, contact us!
• Other tips:
  • You will most likely need to make an appointment ahead of time. Once you find a center, call the number to make an appointment. If you don’t speak English, don’t worry! Many Community Health Centers offer services in multiple languages. If the person who answers the phone does not speak your language, tell them the language that you are comfortable communicating in. The health center should be able to provide interpretation services.
  • Sometimes local health centers will run specific events on certain days, like free STD testing or free vaccines. It’s a good idea to check in with your local health center and keep up-to-date on their events calendar. 
     

SCHOOL NURSES AND COUNSELORS 

Every student in the U.S. has the right to access support from school nurses and counselors. These professionals are available during school hours and can usually be found in the nurse’s office or counseling center. 

Remember! All children in the U.S. have a right to go to school up until a certain age (usually 16-18 years old, depending on the state), no matter what their immigration status is. For more information, check out our article about public school in the U.S. 

• General info:
  • School nurses and counselors are trained to help with physical health, emotional well-being, and mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, or bullying.
  • To access the school nurse/counselor, you can ask a teacher or front office staff for help making an appointment. Or you can visit during free periods or lunch. In many schools, students can also leave a note or fill out a request form if you want to speak privately.
  • School nurses/counselors can also help connect you with other services and resources in the community, and give you advice about where and when to seek help.  
     

PLANNED PARENTHOOD 

Planned Parenthood is a national organization that provides low-cost women’s health, sexual health and reproductive health.   

• General info:
  • Planned Parenthood offers confidential and affordable care to people of all ages, no matter what their immigration status is or if they have insurance.
  • Planned Parenthood offer information and services for many girls’ and women’s health topics. Through their offices and website, you can access information and support for birth control options, safe sex, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, abortions, mental health support, gender-affirming care, family planning and counseling, and general wellness and preventative care.
  • Planned Parenthood offers free language support. There are many in-person interpreters that work at their offices, or they offer over-the-phone interpretation in over 200 languages.
• How can I access Planned Parenthood services?
  • Planned Parenthood has offices in many cities and towns all across the country. Visit their website and use the Find A Health Center Tool to find an office near you.
  • Sign up for a Telehealth appointment to talk to a doctor online.
  • Check out the Learn section of their website for trustworthy information on a wide variety of topics.
  • Access their online chatbot to ask basic questions.  
     

ℹ️ Other Helpful Resources 

Beyond resources in your community, there are many online resources that exist to help connect women and girls with the information and support. Below are a few trusted, free resources: 

• Laaha is a safe, online space for women and girls. Created with the support of UNICEF and other partners, they provide information to women and girls on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence as well as where and how to access services when needed.
  • Find helpful content here.
  • Laaha is available in 12 languages!
• The Center for Young Women’s Health offers simple, easy-to-understand health guides in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Check it out and find the answers to any questions you might have!
• Go Ask Alice! is an anonymous health and well-being question and answer site run by Columbia University and Columbia Health. Go Ask Alice! has answered thousands of questions on health and well-being topics ranging from substance use to sexual health, to nutrition and physical activity.    

Bottom line: you deserve to be healthy, heard, and safe. If you need help finding resources near you, reach out to us. We’re here to support you! 

Check out our health section for more information on health and health resources in the U.S.