Youth-led coalition addresses mental health in a pandemic
Members of Beach Cities Health District’s Youth Advisory Council attended the district’s coalition kickoff last year. Photo courtesy of Beach Cities Health District. by Donald Morrison Redondo Beach Union High junior Brooke Goldman is one of more than 80 middle and high school students from Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo Beach schools volunteering to promote awareness about mental health issues and substance abuse. The students are members of the Youth Advisory Council, overseen by the Beach Cities Health District’s Partnership for Youth. The students make videos, infographics and slideshows on topics ranging from handwashing etiquette to the dangers of vaping. Goldman joined the Youth Advisory Council when she was in eighth grade. “I remember seeing the program was about anti-drug and mental health awareness and those are two things I’m very passionate about,” Goldman said. “It’s hard as a younger person to feel like you have a voice. But through this program and working with adults, you see that they do care and they want to hear our voices and I think that’s been really big for me.” During the pandemic, the council has helped her stay connected with her peers, while keeping…
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