Suzanne Aftabizadeh - Empowering Appalachian Youth Through Prevention and Community Collaboration

About the Guest(s): Suzanne Aftabizadeh is a dedicated professional in the field of public health, hailing from Athens, Ohio. A native of the region, Suzanne pursued her studies at Ohio University where she focused on biology and Spanish. Passionate about women's health and child welfare, she served two years with ComCor, an AmeriCorps program linked with the Ohio University Medical School, which deepened her commitment to public health and health education. Currently, Suzanne is at the helm of the Youth Led Prevention Council at the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC), where she plays a pivotal role in spearheading efforts to bring prevention programming to underserved Appalachian communities. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of School Wellness hosted by Amanda Hampton, Suzanne Aftabizadeh of the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) joins us to delve into the multifaceted world of youth-led prevention work in Appalachian Ohio. The conversation focuses on Suzanne's journey, her current role, and the significant impact of ACC's initiatives on the regional communities. Youth-Led Prevention and Community Engagement: Suzanne shares her experiences and the ACC's mission to empower youth in Appalachia through strategic prevention programming. The discussion reveals how the ACC fosters youth leadership by addressing historical underrepresentation and the acute needs of the Appalachian region, such as high poverty rates and limited access to mental health care. Suzanne eloquently advocates for the community-driven approach of the ACC, emphasizing the importance of listening to the unique needs and cultural aspects of each community within the 32 counties served by the coalition. Enhancing Resources and Youth Empowerment: The episode dives into the ACC's vision to improve health and well-being through collective advocacy and strategic investments. Suzanne highlights how youth-led prevention efforts not only empower young people but also build community partnerships to deliver vital resources. The conversation underscores the essential role of youth voice in crafting effective prevention programs, illustrating the transformative power of involving young leaders in tackling the pressing issues of mental health, substance abuse, and education outcomes in the Appalachian region. Key Takeaways: The Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) is committed to empowering youth and addressing the dire need for resources in the underserved Appalachian region of Ohio. Youth-led prevention efforts are crucial for transforming mental health and educational outcomes, with young leaders positioned at the forefront of advocacy and action. Building community partnerships and enhancing existing local resources are central to ACC's strategy to deliver impactful and sustained support to Appalachian communities. Suzanne Aftabizadeh emphasizes the importance of integrating youth voice in prevention programming, aligning with the ACC's mission to foster resilience and access to opportunities for young people. Addressing barriers like lack of Internet access, transportation, and entrenched stigmas require tailored approaches that resonate with the unique cultures of Appalachian communities. Notable Quotes: "Youth listen to youth. That's something I've learned as someone who's not too far out of high school." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "Prevention is this wonderful umbrella term because pretty much anything positive that wants a positive outcome can fall under that prevention umbrella." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "The Appalachian Children Coalition really started to address the lack of access to mental health care specifically for young people." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "Involving youth in these processes not only gives them voice but crafts the foundation upon which they can build their futures." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "We want our communities to thrive and not to have to leave the region just to get access to a medical doctor or a therapist." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh Resources: Learn more about joining or supporting the Appalachian Children Coalition through their website (URL not explicitly mentioned in the transcript). Connect with Amanda Hampton and the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University for resources on school-based prevention and early intervention support. For a deeper understanding of how youth-led prevention is shaping the future of Appalachian communities, be sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful discussions from School Wellness with Amanda Hampton.