As students return to classrooms across Oklahoma, educators from schools, community organizations, and public health settings are gathering for the third annual Oklahoma Sex Ed Kickoff, a sold-out professional development event for sharing strategies, resources, and best practices in sexual health education.
Survey Shows Bipartisan Support for Sexual Health Education
Bipartisan support for sexual health education is strong across the state. According to a February 2025 statewide survey of registered Oklahoma voters, 82% of voters support teaching all forms of birth control in schools, 89% believe students should learn about preventing sexually transmitted infections and healthy relationships, and 94% say reducing teen pregnancy is a public health priority.
The results are based on a survey conducted by Amber Integrated. With Oklahoma ranking fifth highest in the nation for teen birth rates and seventh highest for sexually transmitted infections, these results highlight why Oklahoma organizations are working to expand sexual health education.
Turning Data Into Action for Oklahoma Youth
Coordinated by Tulsa-based Amplify Youth Health Collective and Oklahoma City-based honestly Youth Sexual Health, the Oklahoma Sex Ed Kickoff provides training and resources for school districts and community organizations implementing sexual health education.
As backbone organizations using a collective impact approach, Amplify and honestly ensure the education being implemented in Oklahoma is evidence-based and medically accurate, while coordinating statewide efforts to improve youth sexual health.
“With the support of Oklahoma families, we are aligning our collective efforts to expand sexual health education and improve public health across the state,” said Heather Duvall, executive director of Amplify Youth Health Collective. “Events like the Oklahoma Sex Ed Kickoff brings educators and community partners together to turn data into action and improve health outcomes for Oklahoma youth.”
Partnerships Drive Change in Adolescent Health
The kickoff gives educators a chance to learn from experts, share strategies, and hear directly from students through a youth panel. The event features remarks from industry leaders and breakout sessions on best practices, all designed to strengthen collaboration and create meaningful improvements in adolescent health.
“Real change happens when Oklahoma educators, parents, healthcare providers, and community organizations work together,” said Jessica Kobylinski, chief executive officer of honestly Youth Sexual Health. “By aligning our efforts, we ensure young people are supported and have the knowledge and resources they need to make healthy decisions.”
The third annual Oklahoma Sex Ed Kickoff highlights the work of educators and partners statewide, giving Oklahoma youth the tools to make safe, healthy, and informed choices. For more information, visit amplifytulsa.org and honestlyokc.org.