See It: The Community being helped

As Founder/President of Global Youth H.E.L.P. Inc (Health Education Leadership Program) I conduct tobacco awareness educational programs, train youth peer leaders, and provide educational and sports supplies to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of disadvantaged youth in the US and in developing countries. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths and the most difficult addiction to overcome. Most smokers start before they turn 18 and tobacco consumption rates are rising among American youth including college students. According to the WHO, by 2030 smoking related deaths will rise to 10 million a year, and 70% of those deaths will be in developing countries. My goal is to protect children from second hand smoke and prevent and reduce tobacco consumption among youth around the world. Through presentations and advocacy workshops, more than 10,000 young people have been educated about the hazards of tobacco use. Tobacco education presentations have been conducted in the US, India, Mexico, West Indies, and Finland. Leadership training programs have been conducted for girls in foster care and for village children in India. Other projects include, building a library and donating school uniforms, books, sports equipment, tooth brushes and toothpaste to children living in villages and slums in India While focusing on health, I work with youth leaders and volunteers to educate young people about the hazards of tobacco use to prevent them from starting. I initially selected this very important health issue, because as an asthma suffer I had great difficulty breathing in smoking restaurants and public places. As a sophomore in highschool I founded the Anti-Tobacco Action Club (ATAC) and mobilized youth support for the successful passage of Delaware’s Indoor Smoking Ban. For the past six years I have trained youth peer leaders, spoken at national and international conferences, and conducted educational workshops at schools and at colleges. As tobacco is a ‘gate-way drug’ it can lead to use of other addictive products, through Global Youth H.E.L.P. programs I focus on building self-esteem, making healthy life-choices, and training young people to become health advocates and leaders in their communities.