Calling Washington youth: Apply to join the Youth Advisory Council!

Are you between the ages of 13 and 22 and living in Washington? Do you want to help improve public health programs for young people? The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is inviting young people like you to apply to join the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)!

If you're over age 22, you can help by spreading the word about this opportunity by sharing the YAC one-pager or recruitment flyers. 

What does the YAC do? 

Members meet one to two times a month to share feedback and ideas on important adolescent health topics, like youth mental health and medical care. They work closely with staff in the DOH Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit to help share programs that support teen and young adult health. 

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply, young people must meet the following criteria at the time of their application: 

  • Aged 13-22 and living in Washington 
  • Have reliable internet access
  • Can attend meetings by Zoom, and can use online communications tools like Basecamp and GroupME
  • Have experience with or an interest in improving health care, public health, or other health-related topics 

DOH encourages all young people who meet these requirements to apply - especially those with diverse identities and lived experiences, including youth who:

  • Are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, and 2SLGBTQIA+
  • Have visible or invisible disabilities, or neurodivergent
  • Have experienced systems like juvenile justice, child protective services, or foster care
  • Live with chronic disease conditions or undergoing treatment
  • Live with behavioral or mental health conditions
  • Feel left out or are experiencing challenges at school
  • Are Apple Health Medicaid insurance recipients
  • Face economic or structural barriers
  • Have experience with houselessness or unstable housing
  • Have challenges using or accessing health care or live in medically underserved areas

How to apply? 

Submit an application by Saturday, May 31. Visit the YAC application page to learn more and apply. Questions? Email the DOH Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit.