WCYC Youth Return From DC, Take Message to Utah's Capitol Hill

ST. GEORGE, UT –  Representatives from the Washington County Youth Coalition (WCYC) returned home from the Community of Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference in Washington, DC on Saturday, February 7th. As a follow up, they headed to the Utah State Capitol this week to educate policymakers on the effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes on local youth.

WCYC members joined over 350 youth from around the state as they met state legislators to discuss increasing drug-use rates among young people in southwest Utah. One topic of concern was the 300% increase in e-cigarettes use among teens over the past two years in some local communities.

The WCYC was excited to share what they had learned in Washington, DC and hopes that policymakers will use the information they presented to prioritize preventive legislation on the state level.

WCYC President Abigail Dickie spoke alongside Representative Kraig Powell at a press conference held at the Capitol Hill Rotunda on February 17th. She was joined by Natalie Grisier, Megan Band, Maddie Gates, Katie Powell, Gracie Haslem, Ashley Bang, Brianna Bloxham, Hannah Curtis, Madison Baxter, Brenda Brown, Emma Dickson, Dallen Moody, Darby Wagner, Tristan Craig, August Wood, Taylor Armstrong, Matt Jensen, Caleb Larson, Danny Porras, and Nolan Porras. Adult Coordinators Kaysha Price with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department and Teresa Willie of Southwest Behavioral Health Center accompanied the youth.    

“The Washington County Youth Coalition has become a driving force for policy change, with regard to tobacco and underage alcohol use," says Teresa Willie, WCYC Coordinator. "For the past several years, the coalition has met annually with local and federal legislators to advocate for policies that promote substance abuse prevention. We are so proud of the passion, knowledge and commitment of these young people, to create a safer environment for their peers, both now and for the future."

You can follow the WCYC on Twitter @_WCYC_ or on Facebook (Washington County Youth Coalition).

                                                            
WCYC youth pose with mascots for the Utah Tobacco Free Alliance at the Utah State Capitol

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