Enaging with Youth to Take Action

The extreme weather events we are witnessing pose an immediate and growing threat to human health. We believe we can take actions to ensure all Americans have the opportunity to live their healthiest lives—today and for generations to come.

At the CDC Foundation, we're supporting young leaders as they bring their voices, energy and ideas to the urgent work of addressing the health impacts of extreme weather.

In 2023, we announced $550,000 in funding to 11 organizations across the United States focused on engaging young people in raising awareness about the connections between extreme weather and health and helping their communities respond to health challenges.

 

Supporting Youth-Lead Communication and Outreach

To help inform our approach, we worked with youth leaders who shared their experiences and innovative ideas.

The members of our Youth Council inspired others to prepare for the extreme weather issues future generations may face. In support of this work, the youth council:

  • Created a series of social media videos to share information about the health impacts of extreme weather
     
  • Held an online discussion about how to get involved in community-led activities 
     
  • Provided guidance on how the CDC Foundation can continue to meaningfully engage youth in our public health planning 
     


     

Living in Texas, I’ve realized temperatures have been continuously rising in the summers and this had led to the inability for me to grow up with the freedom of playing outside whenever I’d like to.

– Haley Reese, member of the CDC Foundation Youth Council

Through the social media campaign I’m a part of, I’ve been able to implement, weave my work at school with the campaign we’re doing.

– Genesis, member of the CDC Foundation Youth Council

 


 

 

Together, we can find actionable, sustainable and scalable solutions to accelerate the capacity, preparedness and resiliency of communities across the country.

Join us by getting involved today! If you would like to have an immediate impact, you can give today to help us accelerate our nation's capacity, preparedness and resilience to extreme weather events, changing air quality and other national and local health challenges. Donate Now