Gabriella Celeste, JD, Policy Director at the Schubert Center for Child Studies, presented "Elevating Teen Health in Policy" at this year's First Year Cleveland Community Partner Gathering on July 27, 2023. Celeste covered key points emphasizing youth engagement, "meeting them where they are and how they show up," and comprehensive health policies. Highlighting the importance of involving youth, her presentation underscored the significance of access to care, awareness, education, agency, identity affirmation, and supportive communities for teens and young adults. She set the stage by discussing the immediate effects of the pandemic on maternal and child health, particularly the mental health impact, revealing awareness of illness, fear, and social distancing. Initiatives such as Family Planning Clinics, School-Based Health Centers, and specialized programs like OhioRISE were essential in providing comprehensive maternal care, parent support, and overall youth health care, Celeste emphasized.