North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking youth aged 15-21 to serve on a Youth Health Advisory Board.
The purpose of the advisory board is to offer an opportunity for youth to make a difference in North Dakota communities by planning, implementing and advising on meaningful projects and topics to improve the health of North Dakota youth. The advisory board provides young people a chance to learn about, and put into action, community-wide planning and enhance leadership skills and responsibility.
“Youth health issues differ from adults. To understand their needs, HHS would like to hear directly from youth. Their feedback will help inform decision making and drive programmatic change,” said Krissie Guerard, community engagement director for the HHS Public Health Division. “The health and well-being of youth have a major impact on the overall health of society. Today’s adolescents and young adults are tomorrow’s workforce, parents and leaders.”
Board membership will consist of a diverse group of 20 North Dakota individuals between the ages of 15-21 from various backgrounds, including ethnicity, race, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability and places of origin. Members are asked to commit to at least two years of service to cultivate personal and professional growth. A statement of commitment will be required from a parent or guardian for youth ages 15-17.
Members of the advisory board will have the opportunity to gain community service hours throughout the program and receive a professional written recommendation upon two-year service completion.
The application deadline for the Youth Advisory Board is Feb. 15. Meetings will be held every other month online via Microsoft Teams beginning March 2024. For more information on the board and to apply, visit: hhs.nd.gov/health/engagement/advisory-boards/youth.