Northeast Michigan Youth Advisory Council Needs Assessment’s top issues include mental health and vaping | News, Sports, Jobs

The Northeast Michigan Youth Advisory Council (NEMYAC) has recently unveiled its 2025 Youth Needs Assessment, shedding light on pressing issues faced by the youth in the region. The assessment has identified mental health and vaping as the two most significant concerns for young people in Northeast Michigan. This crucial data will influence grant guidelines for the next three years, demonstrating the importance of youth voices in shaping community programs.

The NEMYAC operates under the umbrella of the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) and focuses on teaching young people about philanthropy and the significance of addressing local concerns. Every three years, Youth Advisory Councils throughout Michigan are mandated to conduct surveys that reflect the challenges and issues affecting their peers. This year, the survey was conducted among 350 students from grades eight to twelve, where they were presented with a list of 40 issues determined by youth agencies across the state. From this extensive list, the students were tasked with narrowing it down to their top ten priorities.

Jennifer Dingman, the program director at CFNEM, emphasized the importance of these survey findings in shaping future grant funding through the NEMYAC. The grants are awarded via the Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund, specifically designed to address the needs identified by the youth themselves. It is essential for nonprofits in the region to use this insight to develop programs that directly address these pressing issues, particularly in the areas of mental health and vaping.

Dingman pointed out a troubling trend in the assessment results: concerns related to depression and mental health have consistently risen over the past six years, indicating a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support in local communities. In addition, vaping has emerged as a serious issue among youth, indicating a growing awareness and concern around its prevalence and impact on their peers’ wellbeing. This escalating issue has seen increasing prominence across all nine counties served by CFNEM, including Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle.

“The survey results show us that there’s significant work to be done regarding mental health support and stress management,” said Dingman. “It’s clear that the youth in our area recognize vaping as a critical issue they want addressed.” Such revelations highlight the necessity for local agencies to take action and develop targeted programming that can effectively tackle these challenges, which were articulated by the youth during the needs assessment process.

The role of the YAC members extends beyond merely conducting the surveys; they are also involved in distributing them within their schools, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are included. Dingman remarked that these ten identified issues will guide the allocation of grant funding moving forward. While not every grant application is required to address these specific issues, the goal is to inspire local organizations to enhance their efforts in confronting these challenges with the knowledge that funding will be readily available.

The outcomes of this needs assessment serve as a critical reminder of the importance of listening to youth voices in community discussions. As the survey results are compiled and analyzed, CFNEM plans to establish actionable next steps to address the highlighted issues. This proactive approach not only acknowledges the concerns of youth but also empowers them to take ownership of their wellbeing.

The NEMYAC’s commitment to addressing these vital issues is an essential part of fostering a healthier, more resilient youth population in Northeast Michigan. Initiatives focusing on mental health support and education about the dangers of vaping can lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of young people. As community stakeholders and nonprofit organizations begin to respond to these findings, it is hoped that they will create programs that resonate with the needs and desires of the youth.

As we consider the future of our communities, it is crucial to prioritize mental health and advocate against the rise of vaping. It is not merely about addressing immediate concerns but about making systemic changes that foster environments conducive to mental well-being. Engaging youth in these conversations is essential, as they are the future leaders, advocates, and change-makers of our society.

Parents, educators, community leaders, and organizations must rally together to establish supportive frameworks for youth, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and guidance to navigate their challenges. By focusing on mental health support and a comprehensive understanding of the harmful effects of vaping, we can work towards building a community where every young person thrives and feels valued.

In summary, the Northeast Michigan Youth Needs Assessment has brought vital issues to the forefront that demand collective action and response. Mental health and vaping are not just statistics; they reflect the real experiences and concerns of youth in the region. As the NEMYAC prepares to allocate grant funding based on these results, there is a unique opportunity for local organizations to respond constructively. By addressing these challenges head-on, together we can cultivate a healthier future for the young people of Northeast Michigan.

Source link