Health Literacy for Teens

By Joey Kaji, SBHA Youth Advisory Council member The following reflects Joey’s lived experiences, thoughts, and opinions. As a senior in high school, I know that right now is a time for big changes. However, one change that is often overlooked is the shift in healthcare management. In school, I’ve heard my friends complain about … Read more

Webinar Featuring Youth: “Impact of Youth Voices in Transforming Pediatric Care”

The following is featured on the Center for Health Care Strategies resource page. “Though children and adolescents are at the center of pediatrics as the recipients of care, their voices are often missing from conversations about how to transform the field to better meet their needs and support their lifelong health. Inviting youth to the … Read more

Our YAC and SBHC Awareness Month

For SBHC Awareness Month, our Youth Advisory Council created one pagers to report on advocacy activities in their states. Council members shared information on current legislation, their state affiliates, and ideas on how to spread awareness about school-based health centers. Check them out below!

Reflections on my YAC Experience

By Chris Oshana, former Youth Advisory Council Member When I reflect on my time with the School-Based Health Alliance Youth Advisory Council, I think of my immense growth as a person, advocate, and life-long learner. I joined the council at the beginning of my first year of college. I had to navigate a whole new … Read more

Navigating Your Health: A Young Adult’s Guide To Annual Healthcare

By Audrey Gabriel, SBHA Youth Advisory Council member  Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s proven difficult for most people to keep up with their annual appointments. Whether it’s making it into your primary care physician’s office for a yearly check-up or scheduling an appointment with a specialist, finding a time to be seen … Read more

Youth Advisory Council Reflection

By Baila Salifou, former SBHA Youth Advisory Council member The following reflects Baila’s lived experiences, thoughts, and opinions. I was in my AP Biology class when my principal came into class and personally handed me a package from the School-Based Health Alliance. He placed it on my desk and told me there was an opportunity … Read more

Exploring Careers in School-Based Health Centers

By Audrey Gabriel, SBHA Youth Advisory Council Member  The concept of picking out your career path at the ripe old age of 17 is incredibly daunting, I know it was for me. Maybe you are the first in your family to go to college, maybe you haven’t really been exposed to different career paths, or … Read more

Our Council Experience, And Why Youth Should Join! 

Compilation by Chris Oshana  As current and previous members of the School-Based Health Alliance (SBHA) Youth Advisory Council (YAC), we’ve all gained so much from being a part of this amazing team. The following blog post will focus on highlighting our current and former YAC members, their lived experiences as a part of the YAC, … Read more

My First-Hand Experience with Oral Health Disparities

By Chris Oshana, Youth Advisory Council Member The following reflects Chris’ lived experiences, thoughts, and opinions. $45,000,000,000. Forty-five billion dollars. According to the CDC, that’s how much money is lost in productivity each year in the US due to untreated oral disease.1 As someone who hopes to enter the dental profession in the coming years, this … Read more

Climate Change is the New Social Determinant of Health

By Emma Bittar, Youth Advisory Council Member Emma Bittar is a college freshman at Tufts University from Bradenton, Florida. She believes that youth have the fundamental right to live their happiest and healthiest lives through equal access to education and healthcare services. Growing up in Florida has allowed me to appreciate the stunning environment around me … Read more