The Youth Advisory Council at Children's Hospital Colorado

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of teens who have been patients or siblings of patients at Children's Hospital Colorado. Our goal is to create a better environment for pediatric patients throughout their time at Children's Colorado. As key stakeholders, we partner with the Child Life Department to share our voices with leaders and help make decisions that impact current and future patients.

Our focus

The Council provides important input to hospital leaders by:

• Discussing issues that are important to kids, teens and siblings during any healthcare experience at Children's Colorado
• Providing feedback and suggestions on hospital programs and projects
• Assisting at hospital special events and meetings
• Contributing to programs for patients and siblings

Our accomplishments

Our accomplishments include:

• Assisting the planning department in designing the Anschutz Medical Campus and its East Tower expansion
• Participating in designing the newly remodeled T(w)een Zone and first-of-its-kind pediatric makerspace at the Anschutz Medical Campus
• Developing a survey for patients in the hospital
• Participating in speaking opportunities, such as at a panel discussion for the emergency department staff, department head meetings, the Professional Affairs Committee, Ethics Conference, Parent Empowerment Conference and with volunteers
• Informing decisions about the contents of Children's Colorado welcome bags
• Creating art installations for Denver Arts Week Sheraton Dress Event

We've also participated in several key events and projects for Children's Colorado, including:

• Videos supporting Children's Hospital Colorado
• Alice 105.9 Cares for Kids Radiothon
• Colorado Avalanche Fashion Show
• Harley Toy Run
• Children's Hospital Colorado's annual prom
• Medicine cap art installation

Join the Youth Advisory Council

Council members should be:

• Between 13 and 18 years old
• A Children's Colorado patient or a sibling of a patient
• Available to regularly attend monthly Council meetings (Tuesdays)
• Available for occasional special events
• Able and willing to contribute ideas and communicate in a team atmosphere
• Willing to serve on the council for a minimum of two years

Youth Advisory Council Application

Get in touch

For questions, please contact our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) facilitators by emailing YouthAdvisoryCouncil@ChildrensColorado.org or calling 720-777-6979.