Alex Bridal, the main adviser for the Placer County Youth Commission, outlined the commission’s membership and current priorities during a program presentation.

“I work in public health, and I am the main adviser for the Placer County Youth Commission or PCYC,” Bridal said, introducing the commission and her role. She said the commission consists of 21 youth who are selected each June and serve from July through the following June.

Bridal told attendees the commission’s work this year centers on mental health, substance-use prevention and increasing youth engagement in county affairs. She described the program as countywide: “we get to work … with 21 kids from all across the county,” and said that commissioners’ school and community experiences help shape the commission’s priorities.

Several youth speakers credited Bridal’s mentorship. One commissioner said, “The commission wouldn't be what it is without Alex,” and a second described Bridal’s approach as collaborative, saying she works alongside youth to help them develop their own ideas.

A current member described a personal effect of the program and its subject matter: “I was particularly passionate about substance use disorders and substance abuse because, in high school I had a friend that passed away to an accidental overdose,” the youth said, describing how that experience led them to public-health interests after participating in the commission.

Bridal also noted the program’s role in developing quieter participants and in providing post-commission pathways: some former youth commissioners return to visit or intern with the program. No formal votes or motions were recorded during this presentation; Bridal framed the remarks as informational and introductory to the commission’s work.

The commission’s membership and stated priorities — mental health, substance-use prevention and youth engagement — are continuing themes for the PCYC as the current cohort serves through next June.