Exploring Models for Youth Engagement in Community Health Planning: The Youth-led Community Health Learning...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Youth Engagement

Background:

• Community health assessment and improvement planning (CHA/CHIP) faces challenges in developing broad, locally relevant strategies.
• The Youth-Led Community Health Learning Initiative (YLCHLI) piloted youth stakeholder input to enhance CHA/CHIP processes.
• YLCHLI partnered academic and community leaders with youth in two Central Texas communities to identify health needs and assets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the approach, findings, and lessons learned from implementing the YLCHLI.
• To evaluate the YLCHLI in two distinct settings: a high school and a community-based organization.

Main Methods:

• Employed a mixed-methods design guided by a community advisory board and the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships framework.
• Included quantitative analysis of community health indicators and youth-led qualitative assessments using participatory mapping, data walks, and photovoice.
• Focused on health issues identified in the Austin/Travis County CHA.

Main Results:

• Youth-informed findings revealed disparities and social/environmental barriers related to physical activity, healthy eating, health services, and mental health.
• Provided locally relevant recommendations for community health improvement.
• Gained rich contextual insights into selected health issues.

Conclusions:

• High school health science programs and community-based organizations are effective settings for youth engagement in community health.
• These partnerships foster community collaboration and youth development.
• Youth-led initiatives can enhance community health improvement planning.