| The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) works to improve the lives of Hickory County youth. TAB identifies high-risk behaviors and encourages teens to change their attitudes and make positive choices.The council works with the Hickory County Health Department to identify issues. A recent health assessment found the following: |
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- Children who live in a violent environment believe violence is acceptable.
- One-third (1/3) of Missouri's youth begin drinking by the time they are 12 years old.
- Almost 90% of adult smokers began smoking by age 18.
Based on these and other statistics, the Teen Advisory Board has implemented a number of programs aimed to change behavior in Hickory County's teens. The multi-layered program incorporates activities including a student-led media campaign, a mentoring program, a networking of teens and a strong community alliance. Because the organization is student led, its message is received better by teens. It creates positive peer relationships, increases self-esteem, promotes parent-child communication and teaches the importance of decision making and goal setting.
These are Teen Advisors from Wheatland School preparing tobacco awareness posters to present to their local legislators as part of the state funded tobacco advocacy training program known as Smokebusters.
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TAB's goal is to have a unified message in Hickory County that abstinence from violence, sex, drugs, alcohol and tobacco is the "in" thing. As part of this campaign, TAB created a slogan "You Gain When You Abstain." Members use this slogan to encourage youth that abstinence applies to any behavior that could harm yourself or others.
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Community support is vital to helping TAB achieve its goals. If you would like more information on how you can help the Teen Advisory Board make a difference in Hickory County, contact the Hickory County Health Department.
TAB Contact Information
Hickory County Health Department
Phone: (417) 745-2138
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