The HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is bringing fresh energy to health advocacy in Georgia. Composed of passionate high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state, these young leaders are on a mission to inspire their peers to take charge of their well-being. Through a focus on mental wellness, physical activity, and nutrition, the YAB members are working to demonstrate the powerful connection between mind and body health and to create a healthier future for all.
Leading by Example: Youth Voices for Change
As Co-chair Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila puts it, “Taking action is the primary way to achieve change and make our plans into reality. As the YAB for HealthMPowers, we’ll implement projects that encourage physical movement and improve the overall health mentality of our community.” Álvaro envisions leading his peers and community by organizing educational presentations, advocating for healthier lifestyle choices, and championing initiatives that prioritize the well-being of Georgia’s youth.
Meet the HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board!
Training for Impact: Building Skills in Advocacy
Guided by this commitment, each YAB member has undergone specialized advocacy training through Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE, Inc.) and received Youth Mental Health First Aid certification from the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health. Equipped with these tools, YAB members are not only educating peers about the importance of holistic health but also serving as support systems within their communities. They’re developing the skills to have real impact, from speaking on mental health to promoting healthy habits and physical activity.
Securing Support
This year, the YAB also secured a $35,000 grant from The Georgia Health Initiative, which will fund their participation in the “Learners to Leaders” pilot program. This support empowers the YAB to deepen its impact by providing advanced health advocacy training and creating a blueprint for youth involvement in health policy discussions. “Our objective is to tie nutrition, mental wellness, and physical fitness all together,” shares Co-chair Pratima Yellayi. “With insights from people of different backgrounds across Georgia, we understand cultural competency better, which will lead to the rise of sustainable ideas.”
Laying the Groundwork for a Healthier Future
Through their work, the YAB is showing that health advocacy starts with meaningful action. They are equipped to tackle today’s health challenges with compassion, dedication, and the shared goal of a healthier future for all. By focusing on mental wellness, nutrition, and physical activity, they’re not only creating change today but also laying the groundwork for healthier communities in the years to come.
