In The News

The Colorado Sun: Opinion: Disordered eating is a public-health problem that requires a government response

Colorado has an opportunity to respond to the needs of youth by passing a bill to create the Office of Disordered Eating Prevention...This legislation will be a trailblazer nationwide, creating the first-ever public health office devoted to disordered eating.
February 2, 2023

KUNC: Effort to expand substance abuse treatment in schools advances at the statehouse

Under HB23-1009, a new committee in the Department of Education would be tasked with developing a system for identifying and addressing substance misuse that could be used by schools across the state.
January 27, 2023

Colorado Politics: Teen-backed bill aims to bring substance abuse intervention to Colorado middle, high schools

“Every single young person, including myself, can point to at least one peer who struggles with substances,” said Siddharth Nareddy, a student at Peak to Peak High School and another member of the Youth Advisory Council. “This bill is a necessary investment in the future of Colorado.”
January 25, 2023

Chalkbeat Colorado: Here are first education bills Colorado lawmakers filed during the 2023 legislative session

Coming on the heels of a contentious debate over state social studies standards, Senate Bill 8 would create a formal process for current students to have a voice in the development of Colorado academic standards...
January 10, 2023

Colorado Politics: Eating disorders, school discipline, substance abuse among proposals Colorado teens seek to advance

Teenagers from the Colorado Youth Advisory Council are pursuing three new state policies to address substance abuse, eating disorders and disciplinary actions in schools.
September 30, 2022

Good Morning America Wellness: After his brother died by suicide, this teacher changed how he talks to students about mental health

Features COYAC Alum: Aimee Resnick- The high rate of mental health struggles among her peers in Colorado is what prompted Aimee Resnick, 17, of Centennial, Colorado, to advocate for a now-state law that requires student ID cards to feature the state's free, 24/7 mental health hotline.
September 26, 2022

Colorado Politics: Colorado teens propose addressing substance abuse, eating disorders, HIV in schools

Teenagers from the Colorado Youth Advisory Council proposed several new state policies on Friday, including suggestions to better address substance abuse, eating disorders and HIV in schools.
August 6, 2022

The Colorado Sun: Opinion by Aimee Resnick: Help is available to teens in crisis — if they know who to call.

Our idea is to make sure they know, and now it’s a bill in the General Assembly
March 30, 2022

The Colorado Sun: “We are their parent”: Proposal calls for free college tuition for Colorado children in foster care

Colorado is one of only 15 states that doesn’t have a tuition waiver program for kids who grew up in foster care.
February 11, 2022

Chalkbeat Colorado: Colorado lawmakers may waive college tuition for foster youth

Many college students lack the necessary support to finish college. For students who were in the foster care system, sometimes there’s no support at all. A bill in the Colorado legislature would waive college tuition and fees for students who were in foster care past the age of 13.
February 3, 2022