The University of Rochester Medical Center’s Office of Health Equity Research (OHER) is inviting local high school students to join its Youth Advisory Board. Advisory board members will meet with URMC health equity researchers to provide insight into issues facing children and teens in the Greater Rochester area.
Youth advisory boards (YAB) can assist in identifying future research needs aimed at improving adolescent health and fostering a two-way exchange of ideas. Researchers value the contributions of youth members as community partners who provide a wealth of knowledge on health-related issues based on lived experiences.
YABs have become increasingly common, especially with major research institutions like the University of Rochester. Brown University implemented a YAB called Team 300 to study the effects of alcohol on young people nationwide. Harvard University also runs a YAB as part of its Making Caring Common Project, which focuses on moral issues and social challenges of young peer groups, such as bullying and exclusion.
Members of the URMC YAB will attend quarterly meetings with OHER staff and a team of health equity investigators that conduct research. The board will review OHER research materials and discuss health equity projects that impact the community.
“We are excited to expand our research and make a greater impact on our community,” said Edith Williams, PhD, Founding Director of OHER. “Young people experience issues like health inequity differently and can lend a unique perspective that adults do not have. Our youth advisory board is a fantastic way to center youth voice and gain a deeper understanding of the Rochester community.”
URMC OHER is looking to fill 15 seats on the Youth Advisory Board. To qualify, youth must:
•Be 14-17 years of age.
•Be willing to attend regular meetings (at least one per quarter).
•Enjoy working in a team environment.
•Be interested in community service and health equity.
The Office of Health Equity Research will pay Youth Advisory Board members $50 for each one-hour meeting.
For information and to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/b6ppbjfj.
Provided information
