Unidos Por Salud
Who We Are
The Unidos Por Salud Project is a regional tobacco prevention program funded through the California Department of Public Health-California Tobacco Control Program. The program is tasked with reducing tobacco-related health disparities and improving health equity among the Hispanic/Latino community in the following seven counties in the Central Valley including Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern County.
The main focus of the program includes addressing the sale of flavored and mentholated tobacco products within 1,000 feet of schools and youth-sensitive areas, smoke-free multiunit housing, and developing Hispanic/Latino youth partnerships and engagement.
Unidos Por Salud Youth Coalition
WHAT WE DO
The Unidos Por Salud staff gets the opportunity to partner with high school youth across the Central Valley on various policy efforts in their respective community. Active youth coalition members are an essential part of the program’s success in providing services. The program empowers young people to take the lead in policy efforts in their local communities. Youth get the chance to participate in various activities including Youth quest and the Youth Leadership Summit, as well as trainings including data collection, becoming a youth advocate and leader, and working with elected officials.
Existing Coalitions
The program currently has three youth coalitions in the cities of Dos Palos, Reedley, and Wasco
Activities
- Informational booths
- Educational presentations
- Tobacco retailer store observations
- City Council meetings
- Public Opinion Poll collection
PArticipation
The Unidos youth coalition was established to ensure students have an opportunity to take the lead and create meaningful change in their communities in tobacco control efforts. Unidos coalition members will be provided with fun, innovative training on public speaking, working with elected officials, tobacco prevention, policy/advocacy work, leadership skills, data collection, and social norm change. By using these skills, members will be assisted in planning and organizing their own tobacco control efforts in their respective communities on the issues of flavored and mentholated tobacco products near schools and parks.
Qualifications
All youth members must be:
- 13-18 years old
- Be able to attend meetings as needed
- Attend high school and have regular attendance
- Able to work as a team
RESPONSIBILITIES
Coalition Member’s responsibilities include:
- Attend weekly meetings and events
- Participate in trainings
- Participate in at least 4 program activities annually
- At least once a year present with staff or peers to local community organizations, city council members, city staff, or state legislators
Incentives to Participate
By participating, youth will receive:
- Leadership training
- Incentives during meetings including Unidos promotional gear and snacks
- Meeting high school youth from across the Central Valley working on similar efforts
- Opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership Summit at the end of the year
- Opportunity to attend the annual Youth Quest trip to Sacramento
- Letters of recommendation for university applications or employment
- End-of-the-Year activities or incentives
- Mentoring and coaching by Unidos staff
How to Apply
Fill out the Youth Coalition form below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Community Engagement Coordinator:
Dulce Velazquez
Office: (559) 315-5542
Cell: (559) 859-4250
E-mail: dvelazquez@healthcollaborative.org
