Open Applications for new WA Youth Advisory Council

The Adolescent and Young Adult Health team at the Department of Health is inviting Washingtonians ages 13-21 to apply to be a member for a new Youth Advisory Council.

The Youth Advisory Council is a community engagement group comprised of young people who discuss thoughts, opinions, and ideas about public health topics relevant to adolescents and young adults. In addition, the council gives advice and makes recommendations to Department of Health staff on adolescent and young adult public health programming.

Starting in March 2022, members will meet online every other month by Zoom for about 90 minutes. Members commit to participate for one year, and receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card for each meeting or activity they join.

We are looking for about 20 Washington state residents who have access to the internet, social media, and email. We especially encourage young people with unique and diverse lived experiences to apply. Application materials are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, Chinese, and Korean; we are committed to translating materials into any additional languages needed.

For more information and to apply by January 31st, go to our WA Portal webpage.

Please share this opportunity with your contacts — especially those connected with schools, teachers, youth organizations, and young people in our state.

Questions? Please contact Alexis Bates.

Youth Suicide Prevention Resources

  • The Trevor Project: Provides 24/7 crisis support services and resources to LGBTQ young people.

    • Call 1-866-488-7386

    • Text 'START' to 678-678

  • Teen Link: A help line for teens, by teens, that addresses a range of topics including bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, and depression.

    • Call or text 1-866-833-6546

  • Sources of Strength: A best practice youth suicide prevention project that uses peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse.

  • Atlantic Street Center: Provides educational, family support, and behavioral health counseling services for children, youth, and families of color in Seattle.

  • We R Native: A comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories to promote holistic health and positive growth in our local communities and nation at large.

  • You Grow Girl: Empowers female-identifying youth in Washington through mentorship, counseling, and sisterhood.

  • System of Care: A spectrum of community-based services and supports for children and youth with or at risk for mental health challenges and their families, that is organized into a coordinated network, builds meaningful partnerships, and addresses cultural and linguistic needs, in order to help them function better at home, in school, in the community, and in life.

CHA Washington