Indiana Youth Advisory Board (IYAB)

Overview

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) have partnered to create Indiana’s first Youth Advisory Board (YAB). State leaders are seeking input from youth across the state of Indiana who are passionate about shaping the future of public health services including suicide prevention programs. The Youth Advisory Board evaluates public health and suicide prevention services for Indiana youth and makes recommendations for improving the quality of life across Indiana. The current board launched on July 18, 2022, and will serve for one calendar year.

About Indiana YAB

The Indiana YAB represents a diverse group of youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 23; who come from 22 of Indiana's 92 counties. Of 229 applicants, these members earned their position as representatives for Indiana's youth by undergoing an interview process where they answered questions concerning health issues that they feel are most pressing in Indiana and recommended solutions for their selected issues. Many join us with lived experience; having faced hardships and sought care. They have also acted as support systems for their peers and look forward to advocating for others. The board held its first meeting in July 2022 and continues to meet each month. This is an unprecedented opportunity for youth and young adults to address health at the state level. By empowering youth to speak to their struggles and develop innovative solutions, the YAB will see improved health outcomes across the state.

Contact

Lindsay Williams, Adolescent Health Administrator, (317) 533-0174

Samantha Mundt, Adolescent Health Coordinator, (463) 276-1539