Xavier Becerra Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Twitter Website
On April 3, 2024, staff from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regional 7 and the HHS Office of Population Affairs (OPA) engaged with youth in St. Louis, MO. The event included a youth rally and a roundtable discussion on adolescent health.
More than 20 schools and 3,000 middle and high school youth from across St. Louis, MO and East St. Louis, IL gathered at the St. Louis University Chaifetz Arena for a youth empowerment rally. HHS Region 7 Director Joe Palm and Deputy Assistant Secretary Jessica Swafford Marcella attended the rally, with DASPA Marcella addressing the young people.
Following the rally, DASPA Marcella took part in a roundtable discussion on adolescent health issues, where various concerns were raised, including community and school safety, school violence, and the need for youth programs and resources. The discussion involved teachers, school administrators, youth-serving adults, and young people.
Reflecting on the experience, Deputy Assistant Secretary Marcella expressed, “It was so inspiring to meet the youth of St. Louis and East St. Louis today and learn about their hopes for the future.” She highlighted the importance of community collaboration in building a healthier future for all young people.
The roundtable discussion also emphasized the necessity of federal resources reaching communities in need. Topics such as job opportunities, creative spaces, education, after-school programming, culturally responsive education, and leadership opportunities for youth were discussed, underlining the collective effort required to address adolescent health issues.
The event served as a platform for dialogue and engagement between government officials, community members, and young individuals, aiming to foster a supportive environment for the well-being of adolescents in the region.
