Appalachian Ohio Youth Voices Matter

by Suzy Aftabizadeh

Where is your attention drawn when you look at a map of Ohio? To larger cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati? To favorite amusement parks like King’s Island, Great Wolf Lodge and Cedar Point? Perhaps to natural spaces like lakes, rivers, and parks? Or maybe, like me, you look for your hometown. Mine is nestled in the hills, hugged by the Hocking River and home to Ohio University.

Athens is a special place full of charm, beauty, and a strong sense of community. The diverse cultures brought by the university blend with deep Appalachian roots to create a unique place to grow up. In many ways, Athens benefits from Ohio University and the resources it brings to the area. Still, the community experiences many of the same challenges faced across the region, including food insecurity, low wages, and limited access to services.

Appalachian communities are too often defined by stereotypes rather than strengths. The young people who grow up here are resilient, capable, and deeply connected to the places and people they call home.

That reality is reflected in the words of one youth member:

“People tend to think that kids, and people generally, from our region are less capable than others, but that isn’t true. We aren’t given the same opportunities or encouraged to push ourselves the way others are.”

Appalachian youth are just as smart, resilient, and talented as their peers anywhere else. They simply deserve the same support and encouragement. That belief is at the heart of our work with the Appalachian Youth-Led Prevention Council.

The Appalachian Youth-Led Prevention Council, or AYLPC, began in fall 2024 to amplify Appalachian youths’ voices and increase access to prevention education, particularly through peer-led learning. Young people across the region face real barriers that limit their ability to participate in programs designed to support them. Travel is one of the most significant obstacles. Few public transportation options exist, many families rely on a single vehicle, and adults are often unable to take time off work to transport youth to events. Limited highway access, challenging terrain, and weather conditions further complicate participation.

AYLPC works to break down these barriers and empower youth through meaningful, accessible, and youth-led prevention efforts. One way we do this is by removing practical obstacles to participation. We reimburse mileage for all AYLPC-sponsored activities and offer virtual or hybrid options to ensure youth who cannot travel can still engage. Structural and geographic barriers should never prevent a young person from accessing learning or leadership opportunities.

We also expand access by offering scholarships for camps, trainings, conferences, and other experiences that build skills and confidence. In addition, we support schools and communities in hosting events that provide prevention education and essential resources. AYLPC members participate in trainings and workshops they can bring back to their peers, strengthening prevention efforts across the region and empowering youth to lead conversations on issues that matter most to them.

Perhaps most importantly, AYLPC builds a network of young leaders who care deeply about their communities. Members consistently share how valuable it is to have a space where they can discuss topics rarely addressed in school and find encouragement from peers who share similar passions. Many have already put these skills into action by organizing community events, leading workshops, presenting at conferences, and representing Appalachian youth at local, regional, and statewide levels.

The near future brings both challenges and hope. Limited funding, uncertainty around essential programs, and persistent structural barriers continue to affect families across Appalachian Ohio. Many communities remain vulnerable as supports shift or disappear.

At the same time, a promising movement is underway. More leaders across the state are recognizing the importance of youth input and making space for young people at decision-making tables. Youth-led prevention efforts are gaining visibility and momentum and continue to drive relevant and impactful education.

Looking ahead, the vision is clear: increased community engagement, stronger youth-led initiatives, and a region where young people feel empowered to shape the future.

To build this future, we need others to join us. Inviting youth into conversations and considering their feedback is an important start, and adult allies play an ongoing role when young people and adults work together as partners to help youth grow, lead, and thrive. Viewing young people as current and future decision-makers, and respecting them as such, is key. Encourage the young people in your life not only to make healthy choices, but also to step into leadership roles where their passions can guide change. Support youth-led programs like AYLPC so young people across our region feel empowered to make positive decisions in their communities. When we invest in Appalachian youth, we strengthen entire communities—today and for generations to come.

If you're interested in learning how you can specifically support the AYLPC, please reach out to me at saftabizadeh@appchildren.org.

About the author:

Suzy Aftabizadeh was born and raised in Athens, Ohio. She attended Ohio University, where she studied biological sciences and Spanish, before joining COMCorps, an AmeriCorps program through the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Serving alongside school nurses and teaching students about healthy lifestyles inspired her to continue working in public health and supporting the children of her region.