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OCCY launches Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council and honors outgoing parent partnership members
Summary
The commission heard a presentation about the newly formed Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council (OYAC), designed to elevate youth voice on mental and behavioral health, and recognized outgoing Parent Partnership Board members for their service.
Commissioners received two related presentations focused on family and youth engagement.
Presenters Aurelie Sanchez and Amari Nackelo described the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council (OYAC), a statewide body to advise on mental and behavioral health policy. OYAC aims to recruit 8–12 young leaders (ages roughly 16–24) with lived experience, compensate members for participation, meet monthly for two hours, and connect directly to child-serving agencies. Organizers reported about 43 applications statewide and noted applications were open through Feb. 13.
Separately, commissioners recognized outgoing parent partnership board members (Dr. Lana Turner Addison, Waiwana Montgomery, Betty Hopkins Emery, Sunny Jamerson and Mitch Sutter) and presented citations. Speakers praised the members’ advocacy, community ties, and contributions to child-care and juvenile-justice reform.
Next steps: OYAC organizers will continue recruitment and commissioners were invited to the Capitol breakfast and outreach events to meet parent partners and youth leaders.
