April 2014

I am happy to announce that the Contra Costa County Youth Health Coalition (CYHC) is accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year! Applications are due by May 16, 2014.

2014-2015 CYHC Membership Application

The application can also be completed online.

Contra Costa Youth Health Coalition Members

2013-2014 CYHC Members

The CYHC is a youth-centered and directed group that plays a leadership role in addressing health-related issues. Young people develop skills that empower them to create healthy environments through awareness and advocacy projects.

In addition to leadership development, current projects include:

Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month proclamations and social media campaign
May Youth Health Symposium
Every School Day Counts poster/essay contest judging

2014-2015 activities/projects will include:

August Leadership Retreat
Anti-Tobacco Media (PSA) Production
2nd Annual May Youth Health Symposium

All students in grades 8-12 who attend school in Contra Costa County are eligible to participate. Youth members receive $250 each year, based on completion of membership responsibilities.

More information: 2014-215 CYHC Application

The application can also be completed online.

Sincerely,

Emily Justice
Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE)

Student Essay & Poster Contest!

Here is an opportunity to use your creativity to tell us why

"Every School Day Counts!"

Students fall behind when they miss too much school, even if it is just a day or two every few weeks. School success goes hand-in-hand with good attendance.

Who: Contra Costa Students in Grades 6-12

Deadline: Friday, May 9, 2014, 5:00 p.m.

Prizes: First 100 students who submit a poster or essay: $10 Target Gift Card; Best Essay & Best Poster: $200 Target Gift Card; Top 5 Entries in Each Category: $100 Target Gift Card.

Check out the contest flyer for essay and poster guidelines and entry information.

Interactive Tool Helps Parents "Start the Talk" about Underage Drinking

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently launched Start the Talk, an interactive, online simulation tool that helps parents and caregivers of children ages 9 to 15 practice tough conversations about alcohol.

Start the Talk is the newest component of "Talk. They Hear You.", SAMHSA's national underage drinking prevention campaign. Community partners -- find links and helpful tips at samhsa.gov under the Partner Toolkit tab.

Thank You

We hope you enjoyed this month's Health & Wellness Matters e-newsletter! If you have suggestions for future articles or resources to share, contact Emily Justice.