Youth Engagement and the Youth Advisory Council

Collaborating with young people on youth friendly public health.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a community engagement group of young people from around Washington. The YAC helps the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) understand what public health topics are important to young people and ensure public health program and projects are relevant to the people they serve.

Check out some of their work on our Committed to Action! webpage

What does the YAC do?

The YAC meets regularly with DOH staff. Members share ideas, opinions, and recommendations about health care, including challenges and barriers young people face accessing and using health care services and systems, what health care topics and information are important to young people, and solutions and innovations needed to support young Washingtonians to reach optimal health and wellbeing. They also collaborate with DOH staff on public health projects that benefit Washington's youth.

How can you join the YAC?

Young people ages 13-22 who live in Washington and have experience with health care can apply to join the YAC.  

Applications open each spring for the following school year's cohort.

Sign up for the Next Gen Newsletter to receive updates and announcements!

What do members get if they join?

Members help DOH experts decide how best to deliver public health services to young people. They also get to...

• Learn and practice leadership skills and receive mentoring from public health experts
• Get involved in public health programs or projects serving adolescents and young adults
• Earn volunteer or community service hours
• Get a $50 Amazon e-gift card after every meeting or activity the complete

Young people can sign up for the Next Gen Newsletter to receive quarterly updates and announcements on the Youth Advisory Council, youth engagement, and public health.

For questions, contact us at AdolescentHealthUnit@doh.wa.gov.