Broward Youth Coalition

Empowering Youth Leaders to Advance Social Change to Promote Healthy Drug Free Communities

The United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse (UWBCCSA) recognizes the power of youth as key leaders who can make long, lasting significant change in the their communities. The Broward Youth Coalition (BYC) is a group of over 50 high school drug free youth leaders representing all areas of the local community. This cadre of youth leaders come together on a monthly basis to create, develop and put into action positive, social change activities as it relates to underage drinking, substance use/abuse & other interrelated issues.

Alcohol or illegal use by children and youth prior to age 21 often results in the increased probability of risky and destructive behaviors. These behaviors may cause death, drowning, injury, medical emergencies, unwanted pregnancy, acquisition of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, other sexual transmitted diseases, arrest, incarceration, a criminal record, disciplinary actions, mental health problems, and alcohol dependency or other addictions in adulthood. Research clearly shows that youth who initiate any drug before the age of 15 years old are 5 times more likely to having long lasting acute problems in their lives.

Contact:
Shahara Jaghoo
Director of Adult & Youth Training Initiatives
United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse
954.760.7007 ext. 201
sjaghoo@unitedwaybroward.org