Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) is set to host a Youth Summit at Carroll High School on May 5, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. NEDHSA's Youth Summit is part of its mitigation efforts to combat teen suicide, underage drinking, mental illness, health and wellness challenges, low academic achievement, and more.
MONROE, La., April 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) is set to host a Youth Summit at Carroll High School on May 5, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. NEDHSA's Youth Summit is part of its mitigation efforts to combat teen suicide, underage drinking, mental illness, health and wellness challenges, low academic achievement, and more.
The theme for the Youth Summit is "Becoming the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time)," which will focus on the impact youth can make in the community and help them understand the power within themselves. This event also aims to raise awareness of underage drinking and help youth recognize their power to make positive change.
NEDHSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer said, "We are committed to creating and providing the resources and innovations needed to help our region's youth and young adults become more resilient, overcome adverse childhood trauma, and succeed academically."
"We will continue to create a positive regional child, young adult, and family ecosystem that will further address the mental health, academic, social, and physical health needs of children and young adults much earlier than ever before," Dr. Sizer said. "We also know that there is a direct correlation between childhood trauma and negative health outcomes for children and young adults. This is why we continue to do this innovative work."
As part of NEDHSA's continued effort to build a unified community where individuals thrive and reach their full human potential, targeting adolescents plays a crucial role. The key message is to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of underage drinking and other data-driven priorities in northeast Louisiana. This event will show adolescents that they are top priority and that NEDHSA is dedicated to reducing underage access to alcohol and underage drinking.
The Youth Summit will feature keynote speaker Louisiana-based Gospel Hip-Hop/ R&B artist Al "big AL" Cherry, a family man, motivational speaker, and preacher. There will also be local influencers and motivational speakers to share transformational words of encouragement and empowerment, such as the 2023 Miss University of Louisiana Monroe Leslie Hobgood and entrepreneur Mashi Epting.
The event will also feature JiggAerobics. JiggAerobics will be led by LaDonte Lotts, better known as "Mr. Get Right." Lotts founded JiggAerobics as a dance-based fitness program that fuses "jigging," an energetic Louisiana dance style, with Lotts' dance moves and numerous plyometric exercises.
Dr. Sizer added: " We know children and young adults are looking for authenticity and a place to belong. They are looking for genuine connections to be able to express their hopes, fears, and dreams. Therefore, we plan to further create lifesaving opportunities that are consistent with our various treatment and prevention and wellness innovations so that our region's children and young adults can live and thrive."
Media Contact
DeRon Talley, Northeast Delta HSA, 318-237-9973, [email protected]
SOURCE Northeast Delta HSA
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