Local teens and Coalition staff spent April 14 in Tallahassee, meeting with local legislators and spreading the word about the importance of adolescent health, preconception health and healthy pregnancies.
Six teens from the 4Me Teen Health Project joined the Teen Health Project staff, Coalition Executive Director Jennifer Gornto and Board Member and Jacksonville University Professor Emeritus Stephen Baker on the day-long trip to the state Capitol for Children’s Week.
The annual trip, organized by the Jacksonville Kid’s Coalition, allows agencies from Northeast Florida to represent the interests of Jacksonville’s children during the Children’s Capitol for a Day – Rally in Tally. The opportunity allows attendees to present a united front and serve as a voice for those who cannot vote.
The Coalition group met with eight legislators and/or their staff. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy day to hear our stories and issues!:
- Sen. Aaron Bean
- Sen. Audrey Gibson
- R. Mark Loyd, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Lake Ray
- Carolyn Tucker, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Jay Fant
- Rep. Reggie Fullwood
- Rep. Mia Jones
- Rep. Travis Cummings
- Rep. Charles McBurney
The youth also attended the Florida Youth Commission’s Town Hall meeting, which allows Commission members to present questions to a 20-member Cabinet comprised of government officials, policy makers, children’s developmental and advocacy experts.