FARMINGTON ó The Davis County Health Department advises a Davis County Youth Council, and the council is currently in search of some new blood to contribute in new ideas focusing on youth health. The DCYC and its members are charged with spreading the word to teenagers about the affects of tobacco use. The program is geared toward teens from 12 to 18 years of age. ##M:MORE## The programís goal is to empower youth to educate the community through tobacco, alcohol, violence and injury prevention.

ìTeens are going to listen to their peers rather than to adults,î said Davis County Health Department Community Health Educator and DCYC advisor, Annie Wiesman.

The group focuses on spreading the word to peers by community service and other programs. ìIf they want to go into a school to talk about tobacco use or start a new program, I am always open to that,î said Wiesman.

The DCYC has been a part of the Davis County Health Department for about 13 years. Wiesman has been the advisor for the past two years, and says a lot of her youth were seniors and will be moving on.

ìI am ready for some new blood,î she said.

The group puts on one large event a year, and about four smaller ones throughout the year. Last year, the DCYC put together a Kick Butts Soccer program which involved teenagers signing a pledge to not use tobacco. It was the second annual tournament and was in conjunction with Tobacco-Free Kids.

ìWe had at least 90 youth participate in that tournament,î said Wiesman.

Other programs include a Truth Booth at the Davis County fair, which also involves a pledge to not use tobacco, as well as some prizes. The youth also participate in whatís called ìTricycle City.î

ìTricycle Cityî is in partnership with Head Start. Three schools are invited each year, and the youth organize and create a city for children to come to. Children ride tricycles to get around, and can visit shops where DCYC members teach them about various health topics. Children can earn prizes and roam the city.

Wiesman would like to get applications in soon so that youth will be ready for a fall retreat. There, Wiesman says the council will discuss ideas about the upcoming year. ìIt is a chance for them to be creative and implement their own programs,î said Wiesman.

She is interested in recruiting youth who are responsible, motivated, outgoing and reliable.

ìThey are responsible for creating their own programs,î she said.

Applications ask for areas of interest for youth. Those areas range from tobacco and alcohol awareness to physical activities.

For more information or to apply, youth are encouraged to call Wiesman at 451-3525 or e-mail her at awiesman@co.davis.ut.us. Youth may also visit the Davis County Health Department in Famington.



sroberts@davisclipper.com