Our Position
We want to live in a world where everyone has a cozy, safe place to call home, green spaces to exercise and play, clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, access to culturally appropriate, whole-person healthcare, and affordable, healthy and delicious food to eat. These are the foundations of good health.
In this world, we will all have the power to make decisions about our own bodies and health – to determine what thriving looks like for ourselves and our communities. We will be able to choose from a wide range of culturally-appropriate healthcare practices that ensure the wellbeing of our minds, bodies and spirits. We will be empowered with knowledge and tools to advocate for our health. Information will be accessible to people of all backgrounds, cultures, ages and education levels. And our medical professionals will reflect and address the needs of our diverse communities – especially those of us who have been most marginalized.Â
In this world, our young people will look forward to appetizing school lunches, and will be welcomed by school counselors anytime they need support. Self-care will be the norm, and our health and wellbeing will always be prioritized – especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
The Issue
Disparities within the healthcare system are rampant, from access and affordability, to treatment and quality of care. People of color – and Black people in particular – have suffered at the hands of our medical system. Studies have confirmed what Black people have been reporting for generations: that hospitals and clinics are scarce in their communities, that healthcare is unaffordable, that medical language is hard to understand and culturally insensitive, and that medical professionals dismiss their pain and fail to offer them the quality care that white people receive – sometimes with fatal consequences. In its most sadistic moments, medical “professionals” and institutions have used Black and brown bodies to “test” a whole range of horrifying medical procedures and medicines.
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought these disparities into sharper relief, with inequitable testing and vaccine distribution across the country. It also highlighted the larger truth that health outcomes are a symptom of much greater disparities: in access to food, housing, safe and good paying jobs and green space. It is no accident that COVID-19 disproportionately affected our BIPOC communities – our health is made more precarious by the environments in which we live and work.
We live in a food apartheid. Grocery stores with fresh and healthy options are nowhere to be found in low-income communities and communities of color – and liquor and over-priced “convenience” stores abound. These kinds of stores crowd around high schools, offering cheap, unhealthy alternatives to school lunches which, though they now fit nutritional guidelines, are not very appetizing or enjoyable.Â
People of color often hold multiple jobs and are still barely scraping by. These conditions lead to some difficult choices, like whether to see a doctor or go to work to put food on the table, pay rent and bills, and care for children. City planning and investments have ensured that some neighborhoods are well-maintained, with plenty of welcoming public spaces to walk, jog and gather, while others are boxed in by freeways or located near factories that pollute the air and water. For those who can’t afford to keep up with the ever rising costs of living, being unhoused has dramatic effects on health.
To add insult to injury, enormous amounts of money are poured into predatory advertising that feeds on poverty, stress and addiction. These communities, and young people in particular, are targeted for cheap, unhealthy foods, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and gambling. Mental health resources are deeply underfunded in our current healthcare system, and practically inaccessible to those who need them most. Deep social stigma keeps many people from reaching out for help, and BIPOC with mental health issues are left without any kind of social supports, and are often criminalized and killed when they are in crisis.
Our Strategies
Timeline of Wins in Health Justice
October 14, 2023 · Marin
The purpose of this event was to make students aware of the space, what services it provides, and how to access it on a daily basis. They also collaborated with … Continued
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October 14, 2023 · Marin
Marin County Youth Commissioners volunteer with the Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and table at Marin Pride (hosted by the Spahr Center) to promote Mental Health & Wellness Resources
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August 15, 2023 · San Francisco
Washington Positive Peer Pressure (WPX3), a youth group at George Washington High School, shared results of their school-based research on youth alcohol consumption to provide positive peer pressure that encourages … Continued
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July 13, 2023 · Madera
In collaboration with American Cancer Society Action Network and Madera Public Health, Mobilizing Youth to Nix Tobacco held a community forum in Madera County.
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July 13, 2023 · Fresno
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May 24, 2023 · Statewide
After three years of building this work from a grassroots level, HOPE youth leaders and adult allies came together to deliver a powerful press conference in partnership with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and California First Partner Jennifer Seibel Newsom.
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May 14, 2023 · Marin
The youth trained 437 people, majority teens and young adults, on how to use Narcan and recognize an overdose, and distributed 200 Narcan kits.
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May 14, 2023 · Marin
The students’ goal was to create a multipurpose wellness space where students could feel safe and supported. This space is also a place where they can find resources, hygiene products, … Continued
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May 14, 2023 · Marin
157 people registered for the event, including 85 youth and 72 adults. The Festival featured 8 amazing and interactive workshops, 13 community organizations at the Resource Fair, 50+ submissions to … Continued
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May 5, 2023 · Fresno
In collaboration with youth peers from Khair Intersnship, Central East Friday Night Live chapter organizes and facilitates a community health and wellness rally and lunchtime resource fair, attended by over … Continued
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May 5, 2023 · San Francisco
The event was held at Manny’s Cafe in San Francisco’s Mission District. It showcased youth leaders’ key data findings, PhotoVoice projects, and presentations from LGBT Minus Tobacco, Bay Area Community … Continued
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April 14, 2023 · Eastern Coachella Valley
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March 25, 2023 · Fresno
Sunnyside Friday Night Live, Roosevelt Friday Night Live, and Betting on our Future (BOOF) hosted the Fresno Teen Summit with 71 youth participants. The event featured a local community leader … Continued
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September 21, 2022 · Merced
In 2021, yli young people demanded that the City of Merced use ARPA funding to invest in their wellness by creating a Youth Wellness Center. For the most part, their demands … Continued
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August 15, 2022 · Madera
The Youth Collective created several media projects to increase awareness and access to resources to advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations in the Madera community. These include: Podcast Collective members Beto, Jaylee, … Continued
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June 17, 2022 · Fresno
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June 14, 2022 · Long Beach
Twenty-five youth in the Miller Foundation Public Health Project distribute 450 copies of the zine throughout the City of Long Beach. Click here to read it!
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June 1, 2022 · Madera
With the goal of destigmatizing mental health in Madera Unified School District, Student Voices United conducted research and advocated to add mental health as an excused absence for students. This … Continued
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June 1, 2022 · San Francisco
WPX3 launched their most recent PSA showcasing data they collected from the past academic school year.
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May 26, 2022 · Eastern Coachella Valley
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May 17, 2022 · Fresno
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May 16, 2022 · San Francisco
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May 14, 2022 · Marin
Youth and adult allies are invited to come together to learn about ways to support positive mental health.
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May 3, 2022 · Fresno
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May 2, 2022 · Fresno
Hispaña Youth Leadership Program participants meet with District 31 Assembly Member Joaquin Arambula about Health Care 4 All. They shared the findings from their original research with Assembly Member Arambula … Continued
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May 1, 2022 · Madera
Student Voices United members lead healing circles at Madera South High School and Madera High School.
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May 1, 2022 · San Francisco
Based off of the YPAR cohort‘s research, young people’s mental health has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. In response to this data, our youth leaders began the … Continued
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April 22, 2022 · Fresno
Friday Night Live youth leaders present their efforts to prevent youth from using alcohol to Assemblymember Arambula.
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April 13, 2022 · Fresno
Kerman Middle schoolers spoke before Kerman City Council regarding the over-saturation of liquor stores in Kerman, successfully advocating to deny another liquor license.
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January 16, 2022 · Statewide
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January 6, 2022 · Statewide
HOPE Coalition presents a model policy that aims to reduce alcohol advertisements to youth on social media platforms to Meta (formerly known as Facebook).
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October 14, 2021 · Fresno
This Ordinance bans smoking in and around apartment buildings and other multi-unit housing, ensuring that youth and families are protected from second-hand smoke.
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September 27, 2021 · San Mateo
KHMB Radio interviews Program Coordinators Rubi Salazar and Rod Spikes to uplift their Friday Night Live chapter’s campaign on alcohol prevention.
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September 13, 2021 · San Mateo
Help@Hand pilots new mental health app across San Mateo County based on youth recommendations.
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September 1, 2021 · San Mateo
Young people in Friday Night Live’s Coastside Youth Council (FNLCYC) tackle the issue of underage drinking by promoting a positive narrative around not using alcohol before age 21.
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August 25, 2021 · Fresno
Boys & Men of Color youth speak to a panel of experts on the experience and mental hardships of young people in school during the pandemic.
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August 25, 2021 · Fresno
Assemblymember Arambula hosts a Town Hall focused on mental health and the toll it took on young people as they practiced distanced learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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August 1, 2021 · Fresno
Friday Night Live (FNL) California Youth Council selects one Fresno County youth leader to represent Fresno County at the state level.
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July 26, 2021 · Eastern Coachella Valley
View and download the ‘zine here!
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July 3, 2021 · Merced
In July, Merced youth hosted a COVID-19 clinic, giving 40 south Merced residents got their shots.
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June 30, 2021 · Fresno
Betting On Our Future (BOOF) completes their storytelling campaign to raise awareness around problem gambling.
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June 11, 2021 · Madera
Youth leaders present data and make recommendations to Madera Unified School District to add mental health approved absences and follow up on campuses.
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June 11, 2021 · Long Beach
VoiceWaves publishes and begins to distribute its newest print publication, which collects stories published by our youth reporters throughout the pandemic.
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June 9, 2021 · San Francisco
YAPC hosts a youth town hall to share out about their newly published ‘zine along with findings from their community research project.
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June 9, 2021 · San Francisco
YAPC publishes a ‘zine to reach young people across San Francisco to encourage healthy alternatives to drinking on top of providing resources and statistics on youth alcohol consumption.
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June 3, 2021 · Madera
Madera Youth Commission creates a community resource and activity book (in English and Spanish) to spread factual and positive messages in Madera.
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June 1, 2021 · Eastern Coachella Valley
Youth publish and distribute a COVID-19 collaborative booklet that includes youth narratives, resources guide, and access to local information regarding COVID-19.
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June 1, 2021 · Eastern Coachella Valley
We collaboratively decided to create a youth task force that would have direct access to decision makers as well as received multimedia workshops.
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May 19, 2021 · Marin
Marin County Youth Commission host the second annual mental health summit, bringing together 50 youth via Zoom!
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May 18, 2021 · Marin
Youth Commissioners Colette Holcomb and Scarlett Goh share their experiences of designing, organizing and implementing the annual Peer Youth Summit in this letter to the editor, published in the Marin Independent Journal.
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May 11, 2021 · Long Beach
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May 7, 2021 · San Mateo
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May 1, 2021 · Marin
On May 1st, the Marin County Youth Commission held a virtual summit for 50 youths aged 14-20 from 22 different schools across Marin and 2 schools from the greater Bay Area.
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April 24, 2021 · Fresno
Fresno County Friday Night Live (FNL) Members meet with Assemblymember Arambula to update his office on their underage alcohol prevention efforts.
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April 21, 2021 · Fresno
Kerman Friday Night Live (FNL) participates in leading the April Statewide FNL meeting where they presented about their Kerman Cares! Office of Traffic Safety Merchant Education Campaign efforts and chapter highlights.
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April 14, 2021 · Fresno
In partnership and solidarity for a tobacco-free California, MYNT joined advocates throughout the entire state of California to inform and educate stakeholders on our tobacco control initiatives.
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April 1, 2021 · Marin
Youth updated the San Marin TUPE education video to help educate their peers about the effects of vaping.
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March 26, 2021 · Fresno
A cohort of interns gather data on mental health resources (including non-clinical) available to young people in schools.
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March 15, 2021 · Fresno
yli youth, including MYNT Coalition Members, participate in a virtual conversation to address the emotional and mental wellness of young people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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March 12, 2021 · Statewide
HOPE Youth Coalition launches an instagram campaign to advocate for healthier online spaces.
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February 28, 2021 · Eastern Coachella Valley, Fresno
Behind Our Masks, a statewide publication, centers on the issues affecting young adults in California.
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February 26, 2021 · Fresno
yli youth and staff meet with Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula to raise up their voices and experiences in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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February 19, 2021 · Marin
Students create a wellness survey at Marin Oaks High School with the purpose of identifying mental and financial hardships caused by COVID-19.
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February 17, 2021 · Fresno
In collaboration with youth and adult allies in the African-American community, yli hosted a virtual Black History Month series to uplift Black voices of change in tobacco control, literacy, and leadership.
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February 11, 2021 · Long Beach
Long Beach adopts a permanent ban on the sale of most flavored tobacco products ahead of the statewide vote!
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February 5, 2021 · Fresno
Boys & Men of Color secured $50k pandemic fund from Obama Foundation to provide direct support to youth and launched paid youth internship program.
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December 19, 2020 · Marin
All yli youth receive a care package in May and December of 2020.
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December 18, 2020 · Madera
Alongside yli staff, Madera Youth Commission co-hosted 2 virtual holiday celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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December 1, 2020 · Eastern Coachella Valley
PPE and informational booklets are delivered to over 1,000 people in our community.
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November 4, 2020 · Fresno
MYNT youth attend Fresno City Youth Council Meeting to present on vaping.
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November 1, 2020 · Fresno
Youth participate in a healing circle surrounding the struggles of digital learning and COVID-19.
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October 15, 2020 · Fresno
After 8 years of partnership and educating Fresno City Council on the issue of density of alcohol retailers around youth spaces, the Fresno City Council passes the Responsible Neighborhood Market Act.
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August 17, 2020 · Fresno
MYNT works with other tobacco-control initiatives on how our efforts in the community can best lead to change.
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August 11, 2020 · Long Beach
Launched a Long Beach youth group during the 2020 Covid pandemic that worked on making the temporary flavored tobacco ban a permanent ban.
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July 30, 2020 · Fresno
Youth and teachers came together to participate in a healing circle where they discussed issues surrounding school climate.
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June 30, 2020 · Eastern Coachella Valley
We’re proud to present the Spring 2020 digital magazine from ¡Que Madre! Media. In this issue, you’ll find incredible youth art, narratives and a mental health resource guide.
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June 30, 2020 · Fresno
Betting On Our Future (BOOF) completes their storytelling campaign to raise awareness around problem gambling.
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May 20, 2020 · Fresno
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May 7, 2020 · Eastern Coachella Valley
Youth write to CVUSD school board members demanding that they prioritize young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
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April 24, 2020 · Fresno
Fresno County Youth Advocacy Leadership League leaders meet with local electeds to share about chapter campaigns across the County from the 8 high school FNL chapters.
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April 23, 2020 · San Mateo
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April 10, 2020 · Fresno
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April 3, 2020 · San Mateo
The Coastside Collaborative COVID-19 Relief Coalition launches a new website with resources for individuals and businesses to obtain and provide support and relief.
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March 4, 2020 · Fresno
Kerman Friday Night Live youth meet with District 1 Supervisor Brian Pacheco to present their findings and recommend a Smoke and Tobacco-Free Parks Policy in Fresno County.
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February 19, 2020 · Fresno
MYNT collaborates with a program in Madera to present at Madera Ranchos Middle School.
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February 18, 2020 · Fresno
Kerman Friday Night Live youth receive a letter from Kerman Parks and Recreation Commission in support of Fresno County Smoke and Tobacco-Free parks Policy recommendation.
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January 18, 2020 · Fresno
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December 4, 2019 · Fresno
The conference targets young adults, encouraging them to avoid supplying alcohol to minors.
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October 18, 2019 · Fresno
Friday Night Live (FNL) California Youth Council selects two Fresno County FNL youth leaders to represent Fresno County at the state level.
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May 14, 2019 · Fresno
On May 2nd, after 7 years of passionate advocacy, commitment, faith, and love, City Council passed in a unanimous vote the Responsible Neighborhood Market Ordinance, which will cap the number of liquor licenses in Fresno, especially in Black and Brown communities of central and south parts of the city.
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May 4, 2019 · Marin
Marin County Youth Commission hosts their first mental health summit, bringing together over 100 community members to learn more about the state of youth mental health in Marin.
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April 15, 2019 · Eastern Coachella Valley
¡Que Madre! Media youth created and designed their first publication on mental health. The publication features personal stories, illustrations and a mental health resource guide.
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March 25, 2019 · Eastern Coachella Valley
¡Que Madre! Media partnered with The LGBT Center and Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo to host the first mental health resource fair at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal, CA.
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October 7, 2018 · Fresno
Roosevelt Friday Night Live is recognized for their Positive Social Norms Peer and Parent Media Campaign.
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October 7, 2018 · Fresno
Roosevelt Friday Night Live is awarded the Friday Night Live chapter of the year for their Positive Social Norms Peer and Parent Media Campaign.
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May 4, 2018 · Fresno
On May 4, 2018 Selma passed the Smoke Free parks and Public Events Ordinance, which includes parades and fairs.
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September 7, 2017 · Marin
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July 1, 2017 · Marin
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June 5, 2017 · Fresno
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June 1, 2017 · Fresno
Friday Night Live (FNL) California Youth Council selects two Fresno County FNL youth leaders to represent Fresno County at the state level.
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November 2, 2016 · Fresno
On November 2, 2016 Kerman passed Smoke Park, and on June 5, 2017, Kerman Amended the Ordinance to include all tobacco products including vaping products and e-cigarettes
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March 1, 2016 · San Francisco
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January 3, 2016 · Fresno
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October 7, 2015 · San Mateo
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August 30, 2015 · Fresno
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June 30, 2015 · San Mateo
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May 20, 2015 · San Mateo
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April 30, 2015 · San Francisco
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December 16, 2014 · San Francisco
Youth leaders passed an ordinance that reduced the density of tobacco retailers in the City of San Francisco. More information can be found in the case study authored about this … Continued
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December 10, 2014 · San Francisco
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November 11, 2014 · San Mateo
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October 20, 2014 · San Mateo
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