What is the YHA?

The Youth Health Ambassadors (YHA) are a group of Grade 7-12 students from across BC who lead conversations with peers to gather their perspectives on important youth health topics. YHA members are also involved in sharing findings from the BC AHS and other McCreary data in engaging and creative ways.

What does the YHA do?

The YHA team works on short-term projects, typically lasting 3 to 6 months. These projects are sometimes decided on by community, health, or government agencies, who come to the YHA because they are interested in hearing youth's perspectives on important topics. Past projects have included sharing youth perspectives on school food programs, and learning about the impacts of climate change on youth mental health.

For each project, YHA receive training, support, and materials to host their conversations. During projects, YHA have monthly online team meetings to receive additional training, discuss any project challenges, and celebrate their successes. Other YHA work, including preparing for and leading conversations, is done by youth on their own time. During projects, YHA typically work about 4-6 hours per month and earn $18.50 per hour.

What do youth get out of being a YHA?

As part of the YHA, youth build skills in leadership, teamwork, and working independently and with other youth. They are trained in facilitation (i.e., leading group discussions), including active listening, asking open-ended questions, and communicating clearly. YHA also learn and practice notetaking and time management skills. As part of the program, YHA get the opportunity to meet youth from across the province, and to make sure young people's voices are heard in the decisions that affect their health and communities.

Apply to join the YHA!

McCreary is now recruiting YHA to join the team for the 2025-2026 school year!
Are you in Grades 7 to 12 in BC and passionate about youth health? Want to lead meaningful conversations with your friends and peers? Apply to join the YHA!
Download the YHA application form here and send your completed application form to katie@mcs.bc.ca.

For more information about the YHA, please contact katie@mcs.bc.ca.

Youth Health Ambassador Reports

YHA have provided their peers an opportunity to share their perspectives on a variety of topics related to youth health and well-being in BC, and have contributed to the following reports.

Youth perspectives on climate change in the Vancouver Coastal Health region (2025)

This report shares the perspectives of over 100 youth in the VCH region about the impact of climate change on their mental health and well-being. The report also offers their suggestions for how young people experiencing climate anxiety could be supported by peers and adults in their lives.

Beyond the plate: Youth perspectives on school food programs in BC (2024)

This report was produced for the Public Health Association of BC. The report is based off of conversations with 256 Grade 7–12 students from diverse backgrounds and communities across BC. Most of these conversations were lead by youth facilitators trained by McCreary staff. These conversations highlighted examples of successful school food programs, and identified areas where improvements could be made. The YHA also developed a youth-friendly version of the Canadian Coalition for Healthy School Food guiding principles.

Youth mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: Conversations with young people (2022)

This report shares the perspectives of over 200 youth in the VCH region about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health and well-being. The report also offers their suggestions for how young people’s well-being can be better supported in their communities.