National Health Week is an opportunity for communities across the country take the time to recognize the positive contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health. National Public Health Week is April 7-13.

The Clackamas County Public Health Division is honoring public health week through an engaging photography and storytelling program. Some of the photos taken by local students through the Discover. Create. Expose. Youth Photo-Voice & Social Action Project are being displayed in the lobby of the Clackamas County Public Services Building at 2051 Kaen Road in Oregon City. The photos will be displayed through May 6.

“It’s exciting to see community-based organizations working together to creatively engage youth to understand how our physical environment impacts health,” said Director of Public Health Dana Lord. “We look forward to working with our partners as we continue to promote healthy communities.”

Eleven students agreed to display their photographs at the Clackamas County Public Services Building. Those students are:

Natasha, 7th grade, Alder Creek Middle School
“Active living”

Cameron, 8th grade, Rowe Middle School
“Play, it does the body good”

Alley, 8th grade, Alder Creek Middle School
“Green nourishes the spirit”

Brittany, 11th grade, New Urban High School
“A Walk in nature”

Angie, 7th grade, West Linn Middle School
“Beauty of the Farmers’ Market”

Marisol, 11th grade, Rex Putnam High School
“Make a change”

Giovanni, 7th grade, Alder Creek Middle School
“Prepare from scratch”

Gaby, 7th grade, Alder Creek Middle School
“We all play a part”

Brian, 8th grade, Kraxberger Middle School
“The beverage of choice”

Myles, 7th grade, Gardinar Middle School
“Community gardens”

Alejandro, 11th grade, Milwaukie High School
“Simple reminder”

Teens throughout Clackamas County documented and photograph how their community helps or hinders personal health through Youth Photo-Voice. The captured images were presented at local events with the goal of exposing the health of their community to incite action and social change within Clackamas County.

Youth Photo-Voice is sponsored by the Vibrant Future Coalition, in partnership with Northwest Family Services and Clackamas County Children, Youth, and Families (CYF).

For more information, contact Chris Gallegos, Clackamas County Department of Health, Housing and Human Services, 503-655-8752 or cgallegos@clackamas.us.

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