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Yanique A. Redwood-Jones, MPH, Office of Community-Based Public Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-763-9234, yredwood@umich.edu and Lee Bell, Coordinator, Youth Violence Prevention Center, 601 N. Saginaw, Ste. 1C, Flint, MI 48502.
The Ruth Mott Health Scholars/Explorers Program (RMHS/EP) is one project of a longstanding partnership between The University of Michigan School of Public Health (UM-SPH), The Genesee County Health Department, and community-based organizations (CBO) in Flint, Michigan. The program brings the educational resources of the University together with Flint community resources to prepare youth for careers in public health. Operating at multiple levels, the program involves graduate students (Scholars) at UM-SPH, preceptors at CBOs, and African-American high school students (Explorers) in carrying out projects addressing priority public health issues identified by the CBOs. Over the past two years, three teams of Explorers, mentored and coached by Scholars, have conducted research, developed materials, and provided health education to other youth on tobacco advertising, youth violence, and HIV/AIDS. Through the resources of all partnership members, the teams have been successful in promoting healthful public policy to local, state, and national policy makers through media, local forums, and presentations to funding agencies. These and other examples of the impact that youth can have at the policy level will be presented to illustrate the role of community-based participatory research in youth advocacy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Advocacy, Youth
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.