CCHS YYA Newsletter: Vol. 9 (January 2022)

JANUARY 2022 | VOL. IX

CONTRA COSTA HEALTH SERVICES COVID-19 YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT AMBASSADORS (YYA) PROGRAM PRESENTS

THE YYA: HOPE TO CHANGE! Contributors: Kristina Huynh, Ldya Dibeculu, Marc Salvo, Isabelle Kirske

""H a s p v in g yo w il e a k th e l h e a b o u n g l ut pe p co m m m o r C O V o p le e ID of t h e u n it y p e o - 1 9 b e p le pr in ob le m a w a re ."

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED ARTICLES:

Featured YYA's: Kristina, Ldya, Marc Monthly Content:

Social Media Posts & Updates

Monthly Updates: Accomplishments & Achievements During January

Kristina Huynh, 16 (she/her)

Pittsburg, CA

Kristina is a strong advocate for using social media to share COVID-19 public health messaging. She shares

that she wants to make sure that other youth and young adults know that COVID-19 affects everyone, whether

directly or indirectly. Kristina also believes that "COVID19 impacts young people by transitioning schools to happen virtually which has a toll on many people's

mental health. Now that we are back in school it is hard

to adjust to the need to wear a mask and social distance." In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 Kristina believes that it is important to work with people in different

communities and with different backgrounds in order to create a better environment for everyone. Kristina is a firm believer that "everyone should have a say in the decisions made for the

community." Through this community first focus Kristina hopes to

reach people through her online platforms and by putting herself out there representing the COVID-19 YYA.

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"W i

th a b b e in g a lw le t o d a Y Y A a hel ys w o w ha , I a m p in an t I've te an y w d to d ay o I ca : n ".

During the pandemic Ldya was a founding member

of the Letters of Care Club

that focused on conveying compassion and gratitude to healthcare

professionals and senior citizens, since both

demographics have been severely impacted by the

pandemic. Ldya believes that "although COVID-19

symptoms are less severe in younger people, the

fundamental goal is to keep both older and

Ldya Dibeculu, 17 (she/her)

Clayton, CA

younger people

healthy, and we must all do our part to help." Ldya thinks that "it is critical for people from all groups and backgrounds to collaborate since collaboration is what fosters

relationships. When we face difficult conditions, the groups with which we have formed

relationships are likely to support us when we are disheartened. We are more potent as a group than we recognize."

J A N U A R Y

S O C I A L

M E D I A

C O N T E N T

A N D

U P D A T E S :

WHAT HAVE THE YYA BEEN POSTING?

This January, YYA shared their favorite winter break activities as well as what they are looking forward to most out of 2022. Their posts continued to educate followers on ways to stay safe, especially during the Omicron surge.

KRISTINA

LAUREN

See right for some amazing content from our YYA!

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"I p a d la y v s a f v o c a o lle y ba e ty te f ll b o m ea s or C O a nd th a V ID u re pe op t le o h le t e s t o b 1 9 ene f ou s an f it d r co m m th e uni t y ."

Marc wants to do

whatever he can to help the world return back to normal. He believes that

"some people still need to be educated on how to

make that change, and how to maintain the

steady progress our city, county, and state have made to ward off the

spread of the virus." Marc firmly believes that the

COVID-19 prevention work starts with educating

community members on

Marc Salvo (he/him)

Antioch, CA

how to stay clean & safe.

"It is important for people of different communities and backgrounds to work together to continue advocating for the safety for all of our people; so that in the future, later

generations and ourselves can experience the rich and diverse communities of Contra Costa County." One important message that Marc hopes to share with his followers is

that "COVID-19 can spread whether you show symptoms or not, and you should always wear a mask when it's required." Marc strongly advocates that young people always bring their masks places.

JANUARY ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPDATES:

The first campaign "What COVID safe things did you do over break" had 900+ people engage with content.

Dr. Sefanit Mekuria provided a COVID-19 update to the YYA during their monthly meetup.

One YYA developed graphics for the updated Quarantine and Isolation guidelines that were used as an additional campaign.

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