How Policies Help Build Healthier Communities by Annie M.

My name is Annie M., and this is my first year in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. I’m really excited to learn more about why we have different policies and how they help us.

Before joining YAHL, I did not think much about how policies affected my everyday life. Now, I am beginning to understand that many of the rules and systems around us are designed to help keep people safe and create healthier communities. I think strong policies are important because they help protect people and make sure things run smoothly. Rules and laws are not just there to tell us what to do — they exist to support safety, fairness and well-being.

When communities have strong policies, it can make schools and neighborhoods healthier places to live. Good policies can help create safer environments, improve access to healthy opportunities and make it easier for people to make positive choices. One thing I enjoy about YAHL is learning how policies work in real life. When we research a policy, we can better understand why it was created and who it helps. It has been interesting to learn how youth voices can also play a role in creating change. Even though I am still new to the program, I already feel like young people can make a difference when they speak up about issues that matter to them.

One example is Elevate Student Health, a campaign that focuses on helping students stay active, have access to healthier foods and clean drinking water and build healthy habits for the future. Programs like this show how policies can make a real difference in students’ lives by creating healthier school environments. I think it is important for schools to support students in making healthy choices because those habits can last a lifetime.

As I continue my first year in YAHL, I look forward to learning more about how policies are created and how they can improve communities. I am excited to grow as a leader, learn new things and be part of creating positive change.

Healthy Living Starts With Us by Jayden W.

My name is Jayden and I am a senior at Tahlequah High School. I work alongside other Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) members to help bring YAHL, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, to Tahlequah to promote healthier lifestyles in our school and community. YAHL focuses on helping youth understand important health […]

How Policies Help Build Healthier Communities by Annie M.

Taking Action for Healthier Generations by Zarrya G.

My name is Zarrya and I am from Muskogee, Oklahoma, where I attend high school and am entering my senior year. I am a member of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) Leadership Team, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Youth Action for Health Leadership focuses on empowering youth to take action […]

Standing Up Against Tobacco in My Generation by Macy J.

Hello, my name is Macy and I am from Ada. I am a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust that helps youth learn about unhealthy habits and how they affect everyday life. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership because it teaches us how to […]

How I Found Confidence Through Youth Action for Health Leadership by Stephanie V.

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am a sophomore at Hennessey High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for one year and I am a member of the Leadership Team. Over the past year, I have gained confidence, independence and […]

Leading Change Through Youth Action for Health Leadership by Aaliyah L.

Hello, my name is Aaliyah and I am currently a senior at Stilwell High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for four years and have served on the Leadership Team for three years. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership because I […]

Small Changes, Big Impact in My Community by Carli T.

Hello, my name is Carli and I am a senior at Pryor High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for three years and have served on the Leadership Team for two years. Throughout my time in Youth Action for Health Leadership, […]

The Health-First Choice by Mariana S.

Hello, my name is Mariana, but I go by Mari. I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma and I attend Union High School. This is my first year as a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Youth Action for Health Leadership is a youth-led program that educates […]

Leading the Change for a Healthier Oklahoma by Brooklyn C.

Hi, my name is Brooklyn and I am a senior at Keys High School. I have been a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for three years and a Leadership Team member for two years. As a YAHL Leadership Team member, it is our responsibility […]

Why Health Advocacy Is Important to Me by Zané D.

Hello, my name is Zané. I attend Oologah High School. I am involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, which focuses on preventing unhealthy habits like tobacco use and educating people about how it affects lives, especially youth. I joined YAHL because I want to learn […]

Growing Stronger Through Youth Action for Health Leadership by Autumn J.

Hello, my name is Autumn and I attend Porter High School in Oklahoma. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, because it focuses on raising awareness about unhealthy habits and how they affect our lives. Through YAHL, I have learned new information, met inspiring people and […]

Making a Difference: My Journey with YAHL by Kaiden V.

Hello, my name is Kaiden and I live in Howe, Oklahoma. Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) is a program that teaches us about unhealthy habits that can harm our lives and our future. I have been part of YAHL for about two years. I initially joined because I wanted to learn more about the […]

Why YAHL Inspires Me to Lead and Make Change by Brooklyn C.

My name is Brooklyn and I am 17 years old. I am a senior at Keys High School. I have been a part of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) for three years and a Leadership Team member for two years. As a YAHL Leadership Team member, it is our job to educate people about […]

Making a Healthier Future With YAHL by Madison H.

Hello, my name is Madison. I am from Haskell, Oklahoma. YAHL stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership, an initiative funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). YAHL empowers high school students to promote health and advocate for policies related to nutrition, active living and the prevention of tobacco and vaping use among youth. […]

Why YAHL Matters to Me by Sage S.

My name is Sage S., and I am 15 years old. I attend Atoka Public Schools and am part of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program that educates others and promotes policies that improve youth health and reduce tobacco use. I participate in YAHL primarily for the connections and networking opportunities. YAHL allows […]

How YAHL Empowers Me to Create Change by Jayson C.

Hello, my name is Jayson and I am 16 years old. I am a senior at Muskogee High School. I have been part of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) since my sophomore year, and this is my first year on the Leadership Team. YAHL is a youth-led organization that educates people in Oklahoma about […]

Our Health, Our Voice by My N.

My name is My, and I’m from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) is a youth-led program that highlights the factors and byproducts in choices related to health. Health doesn’t discriminate against anyone; it affects everyone and everything living. My health teacher suggested that I join YAHL to expand my knowledge about […]

Working Together to Protect Our Generation by Angie H.

Hi, my name is Angie. I’m from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. YAHL is an incredible program where we talk about how unhealthy habits—like poor eating, lack of physical activity, smoking and vaping—can affect our lives. Through YAHL, we learn what’s harmful to our health, how to recognize it and, most importantly, how to make positive changes. […]

Health Is Generational By Carina C.

My name is Carina, and I’m from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Since ninth grade, I’ve been a part of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a statewide program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). YAHL empowers young people to advocate for healthier lifestyles and comprehensive wellness policies in our schools and communities. When I first […]

Protecting Teens From Vaping and Smoking by Juliana D.

Hi, my name is Juliana and I’m from Chickasha, Oklahoma. YAHL is an amazing program where we can talk about unhealthy foods and the impact they have on your life and well-being. In YAHL we work together to improve physical activity, increase access to healthy foods and provide clean drinking water in schools. YAHL is […]

Why Health Activism is Important to Me by Mary D.

Hello! My name is Mary, and I’m from Haskell, Oklahoma. YAHL is a program that focuses on making Oklahoma healthier for everyone. Health is one of the most important things in our lives; however, not everyone has the same access to good health. I see people in my community struggle with poor nutrition and obesity. […]

Taking a Stand: How YAHL Empowers Teens to Fight Unhealthy Habits by Kaydence M.

Hello! My name is Kaydence, and I’m from Lula, Oklahoma. YAHL (Youth Action for Health Leadership) is a program where we discuss how unhealthy foods and activities affect everyday life. In YAHL, we learn what’s unhealthy, how to avoid harmful habits and how they impact us in the long run. It’s an amazing program where […]

Why Health Activism is Important to Me by Lilly G.

Hello, my name is Lilly, and I am a sophomore at Chelsea High School in Oklahoma. During my first year in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), I thought it was just an excuse to get out of class for free food and to miss school. However, this program turned out to be an amazing […]

Advocating for Healthier Choices with YAHL by Madelyn G.

Hello! My name is Madelyn, and I’m a student at Vanoss High School in Vanoss, Oklahoma. I’m excited to be a part of YAHL (Youth Action for Health Leadership). YAHL is a program that focuses on raising awareness and trying to help pass policies about healthy habits and how they affect our lives, from physical […]

YAHL: The Program That Changed Everything for Me by Tessa S.

My name is Tessa, and I am a junior at Marlow High School. I have been in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) for three years. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’ve even had the chance to serve on the leadership team for two of those years. Thinking back to when I first attended training three years ago, I was excited to get out of class and have some fun. Now, I see how much that day has changed, impacted, and affected me.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone with YAHL by Kaston H.

Hi, I’m Kaston from Piedmont, Oklahoma. I joined YAHL because a friend recommended it, and now I’m interested in the ways YAHL works to improve health in Oklahoma. YAHL focuses on helping young people break unhealthy habits and make lasting changes. As a member, I’ve made new friends and gained the chance to contribute to […]

Making an Impact with YAHL by Addison Null-Kelly

My passion for YAHL first started at the Leadership Summit in 2023. I was very nervous to be away from anyone I knew but quickly made close friendships that still follow me. Participating in activities around the city and being split into different groups each day forced me to make new friends, which helped with my social anxiety. I really enjoyed going to sessions and learning what YAHL was all about and why all of my peers were as passionate as I am.

Teens Making a Difference with YAHL by Mia Vizueth

I’m Mia Vizueth, and I’m a junior at Stilwell High School. For the past two years, I’ve been part of an amazing program called YAHL, which stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership. YAHL brings together students from all over Oklahoma who are just as fired up about making a difference as I am. It’s […]

How YAHL Shaped My High School Experience by Katherine Jones

Hi, my name is Katherine Jones, and I’m a senior at Westville High School. For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), and this year marks my third on the Leadership Team. YAHL has been an experience that has shaped not just my high […]

Changing My School in Oktaha for the Better by Olivia Shackelford

My name is Olivia, but everyone calls me Livy. I’m from Oktaha, Oklahoma. If you don’t know where that is, it’s near Muskogee. I’m a member of YAHL (Youth Action for Health Leadership) and am honored to be on the leadership team. I feel really lucky to have such a great youth field organizer, Hannah […]

Empowering Future Leaders: My Journey with Youth Action for Health Leadership by My Nguyen

My name is My, and I am a member of the YAHL Leadership Team. I aim to promote the power of leadership among current YAHL members and future YAHL Leadership Team members. YAHL, which stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership, is a youth-led organization dedicated to enhancing youth health through campaigns such as CounterAct […]

Making a Difference: My Journey with YAHL and Health Advocacy in High School

by Brayden Duncan Hey, everyone! I’m Brayden Duncan, and I’m about to start my Junior year at Howe High School. I’ve been involved in YAHL (Youth Action for Health Leadership) for about a year now, and it’s been awesome. YAHL has two campaigns: CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health. Let’s dive into what CounterAct Tobacco […]

Making My Community Better Through YAHL by Aaliyah Larson

My name is Aaliyah Larson, and I’m currently a sophomore attending Stilwell High School. I joined YAHL in 2022, marking my first year on the YAHL Leadership Team. Being on the Leadership Team has provided an invaluable opportunity, enabling me to make new connections, practice my public speaking skills and make positive changes within my […]

Advocating for Health: My YAHL Journey by Frankie Linker

My name is Frankie. I’m 16 years old and getting ready for my junior year of high school. I wanted to share my experience with an amazing program called Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL). When I first learned about YAHL, I was intrigued. It offered a chance to truly make a difference in my […]

Empowering Change: My Journey with Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) by Lacey Laymon

I am Lacey Laymon, a senior at Keys High School, and I have been a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) for two years. Currently, I serve on the state leadership team. YAHL actively engages in two youth-led campaigns: Elevate Student Health, which focuses on maintaining the health of our schools, and CounterAct […]

Making a Change in My Community by Kaydence Townsend

My name is Kaydence, and I attend Purcell High School. I first heard about Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) from Aisha – one of the YAHL staff – in my class during school. To become a member of YAHL, I had to go to the training for YAHL members in the fall where we […]

Gaining Confidence as a Member of Youth Action for Health Leadership by Miguel Ramirez

My name is Miguel, and I am a junior at Howe Public Schools and a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL). I have worked with other YAHL members on different campaign opportunities. I started getting involved in YAHL by going to the YAHL training at my school in the fall. At the training […]

My Voice Matters in YAHL by Mayra Amezcua

My name is Mayra Amezcua, and I am a junior at Howe Public Schools. YAHL stands for YouthAction for Health Leadership. YAHL has two campaigns – CounterAct Tobacco and ElevateStudent Health. CounterAct Tobacco is trying to reduce underage tobacco use while ElevateStudent Health is trying to increase access to healthy food and drinks and physical […]

Showing my School the Dangers of Teen Tobacco Use with YAHL

My name is Brayden Duncan, and I’m going to be a junior at Howe High School. I have been in YAHL for about a year. YAHL has two campaigns named Counteract Tobacco and Elevate Student Health. My first YAHL event was our fall festival, where we were able to collect a lot of surveys for […]

How YAHL’s Campaigns Showed Me a New Perspective on Oklahoma Health Disparities

My name is Carina Chen. I am a junior at Classen SAS @NE High School and a member of the leadership team at Youth Action for Health and Leadership (YAHL). I first heard about YAHL in my biomedical class from my Youth Field Organizer (YAHL supervisor), Beverly. During the training, Beverly educated me and many […]

How YAHL Leadership Team Prepared Me to Make Change by Payton Bounds

My name is Payton Bounds; I am a senior at Purcell High School. I have worked with many students who are a part of YAHL and on the leadership team. At the YAHL summit, we all gather from across Oklahoma for a few days to learn more about leadership. I originally joined YAHL for the […]

My Experience with YAHL by Emma Teague

I am Emma Teague, and I am going to be a senior at Keys High School. This year is my first year being on the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) leadership team. My first experience with YAHL was at the training hosted at my high school. Later that year, I participated in YAHL Swap […]

Why Health Activism is Important to Me by Lillian Dallis

My name is Lillian. I am 15, and I’m from Park Hill, Tahlequah. YAHL is a program that talks about unhealthy ways and habits that can affect your life. You may learn new things, meet new people and make new friends along the way! We talk about how to better Oklahoma for kids, teens and […]

Sparking Change for this Generation and the Next by Braden Mensack

My name is Braden Mensack. I am a senior from Keys High School and have beenadvocating through the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) program for almost twoyears. YAHL is a youth-led advocacy organization focused on improving the health andwell-being of youth in the state of Oklahoma. I decided that I needed to join the […]

Passing Policies to Protect Youth by Aaron Roy

Hello, my name is Aaron Roy, and I’m 15 and from Duncan OK. I work with the youth program called YAHL which is an acronym for Youth Action for Health Leadership. We try to raise health standards for youth all over Oklahoma. I joined YAHL to become a better version of myself. I’m glad that […]

My Goal? Stopping Big Tobacco! by Rhianna Dumas

My name is Rhianna Dumas, and I’m 14. I was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and stayed there until I was 7; now I live in Oklahoma City. This past year I joined a program called YAHL. YAHL stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership, and we work with TSET to get better health choices at […]

Giving a Voice to the Voiceless by My Nguyen

Hello, my name is My Nguyen, I am 15, and I live in Oklahoma City. I’m a member of YAHL, which stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership. In YAHL, we work on two youth-led campaigns: CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health. I joined YAHL because it is a really good way to help my […]

My Journey with YAHL by Mayra Amezcua

Hi, my name is Mayra, and I’m from Howe Public Schools. I am currently 14 years old. I’m a part of an organization called Youth Action for Health Leadership or YAHL. I joined YAHL to try something new. When I joined, I was hoping to gain leadership skills, better public speaking skills and earn scholarships. […]

Working Hard to Make a Difference by Essence Felder

Hello, I’m Essence Felder. I currently live in OKC, Oklahoma, and I’m 16. YAHL stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership. YAHL’s main goal is to better youth’s lives as a whole, be it through CounterAct Tobacco or Elevate Student Health. I decided to join because I loved that YAHL is not only pointing out […]

Why I Joined YAHL by Deiondra Howard

I am Deiondra Howard. I’m from Coalgate, Oklahoma, and I’m currently 16 years old. I chose to join YAHL because I want to improve my community. As a teen in high school, I am exposed to a lot of vaping on a daily basis. I think that YAHL can help to improve the problem of […]

Making a Difference in Coalgate, Oklahoma by Brecken Hunt

Hello everyone, my name is Brecken. I live in Atoka, but I go to school in Coalgate, and I am 16. I work with a student-led organization called YAHL. YAHL stands for Youth Action for Health Leadership. I joined for two reasons. First, I wanted to have a bit of fun, and second, I wanted […]

YAHL Impacts My Community for the Better by Carina Chen

Hello, my name is Carina Chen. I am fourteen years old, I am from Oklahoma and last, but definitely not least, I am a member of the leadership team at YAHL. YAHL stands for Youth Action for Health and Leadership, and they are a health activist group working towards two campaigns: CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate […]