Local youth have played a key role in MHYP prevention efforts on many levels. Marin students have made lasting impact on protecting their peers through policy work, peer-to-peer education, and community building.

YOUTH ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

MHYP, in partnership with Bay Area Community Services (BACR), founded the Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) in 2018 with the goal to stimulate positive community change by promoting awareness, education, and legislative action regarding underage substance use and misuse. Under the umbrella of by BACR since 2022, MHYP continues to collaborate with YAC members on a number of prevention initiatives.

ELEVATE Youth program

From 2022-2023, MHYP ran a youth program with 9 paid interns who identified as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ with the goal to elevate youth voice in leadership and activism to prevent teen substance use. Specifically, the program aimed to support teen leaders from communities that have historically been marginalized, and in particular, youth of color and LGBTQIA+ youth. MHYP continues program collaboration with students in this program funded by BACR through Sierra Health.