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Youth Advisory Council

Advisors from the Pledge for Life Partnership, Life Education Center programs, the Kankakee County Health Department, and Project SUN empower Kankakee County High School student representatives to plan and participate in community service projects and substance misuse prevention activities to make a community-wide difference.

YAC Member Page

Upcoming Events and Activities

Prescription Medicine Take Back Day (April 25th, 2026)
At Walmart in Bourbonnais, and organized by the Youth Advisory Council and Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group. This event offers community members a safe way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, helping to prevent misuse and protect public health. Donations of baby diapers for families in need will also be accepted, as well as collections of used eyeglasses, pop tabs and old keys.

 

Wellness Fest (May 16th, 2026) 

In celebration on SAMHSA's (Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration) National Prevention Week, the Life Education Center programs working with the Youth Advisory Council are coordinating the 2026 Wellness Fest! 

 

WHO: Local community service agencies

 

WHAT: A Kankakee county event to showcase the work of communities and organizations that are preventing substance use and misuse — and promoting positive mental health.

 

WHEN: May 16th 8:00 am-Noon

 

WHERE: Kankakee Farmer's Market

 

HOW: If you want a booth/display area OR want to showcase a local talent, use this form to sign up for one of our limited spots!

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Check back for more.

  2025 Year in Review 

Friends

Autumn

​Autumn​

  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. YAC members partnered with KAMEG and local law enforcement to collect expired and unused medication for safe disposal, and distribute safe medication use resources.

  • Red Ribbon Week Coloring Contest: YAC members selected winners.

Legs in Jeans

Spring

​Spring

  • Preparation for Alcohol Awareness Month: YAC members came up with how every aspect of a person’s life can be negatively affected by underage drinking.

  • Alcohol Awareness Month: “Choose Wise Highs! Be Kind to the Mind” social media campaign. YAC members encouraged their peers to share their healthy alternatives with the community.

  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. YAC members partnered with KAMEG and local law enforcement to collect expired and unused medication for safe disposal, and distribute safe medication use resources.

  • YAC members planned and participated in the Youth Mental Health and Wellness Fest.

  2024 Year in Review 

​Autumn YAC members created a Drug Take Back PSA for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in October. Community Connection: Milner Media personalities talked about the impact radio has on community members. Outdoor/smoke free policy: YAC members came up with two areas in the community to work towards making nicotine free. (Cobb Park and Bourbonnais Friendship Festival) YAC volunteered at the Farmers’ Market, sharing medicine safety tips and Deterra bags. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. YAC members partnered with KAMEG and local law enforcement to collect expired and unused medication for safe disposal, and distribute safe medication use resources. Red Ribbon Week, Be Kind to the Mind Coloring Contest: YAC members selected winners.

​Winter YAC members participated in Adopt a Family and purchased necessities for a family in need. Community Connection: Kris Calmese, Department of Health and Fitness, spoke of the importance of setting personal goals for the body and brain. SAMHSA FentAlert Challenge. Opioid Challenge. YAC members created a PfL YAC Newscast presentation to create awareness on the risks of fentanyl and how young people can be a part of the solution. Community Connection: Lieutenant Ricardo Zarate explained how the strength of THC in cannabis has greatly increased and informed students that marijuana is addictive and a gateway drug. YAC members voted on various marijuana billboard designs they felt would have the greatest impact on teaching about the dangers of marijuana use.

​Spring Preparation for Alcohol Awareness Month: YAC members came up with how every aspect of a person’s life can be negatively affected by underage drinking. Alcohol Awareness Month: “Choose Wise Highs! Be Kind to the Mind” social media campaign. YAC members encouraged their peers to share their healthy alternatives with the community. Community Connection: Drew Orgentz and Dana Arseneau, from Riverside Healthcare, talked about the dangers of alcohol and marijuana use and the accidents and injuries they have seen in the Emergency room. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. YAC members partnered with KAMEG and local law enforcement to collect expired and unused medication for safe disposal, and distribute safe medication use resources. YAC members planned and participated in the Youth Mental Health and Wellness Fest.

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