KIDS Rainbow

KIDS Rainbow Spring 2024 Cohort

Mission

The Youth Advisory Council (KIDS Rainbow) at University Hospitals was established to center the pediatric patient voice in UH Rainbow's efforts. KIDS Rainbow aim is to encourage and promote a diverse collaboration between youth and the Hospital to address the top health priority needs in the communities they serve.

Vision

That UH Rainbow initiatives will be driven by the ideas and innovations of the youth it aims to serve.

Objective

The Youth Advisory Council Board, known as "KIDS Rainbow," is an initiative led by UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital to promote youth leadership and collaboration within the healthcare continuum. With the support of the PPN (Pediatric Pandemic Network and iCAN (International Children's Advisory Network), this council will empower youth to use their voices and provide valuable feedback on improving health outcomes and resiliency for children, families, and communities within the UH Rainbow network. 

Goals

1. Fostering collaboration for widespread impact
2. Addressing disparities and the impact of emergencies, disasters and pandemics
3. Advocating for the pediatric voice

Spring 2024 Meetings

1. Leaping Into KIDS Rainbow: February 29th, 2024
   1. Students will learn about KIDS Rainbow. We’ll talk about our goals, expectations, and what the rest of the year will be like. During this meeting, students will make name badges and prepare an introductory slide for next meeting
   2. Session Newsletter (PDF)
2. Creating a Vision:  March 28th, 2024
   1. Students will share their introductory slides and learn about iCAN. They will also create vision boards and focus on addressing health needs in their community
   2. Session Newsletter (PDF)
3. Photo Voice: April 25th , 2024
   1. Students will participate in Photo Voice Research, led by the Child Health and Policy team. They will take photos to find places in their community that they can reach during emergencies and resources that can help with their health. Also, students will evaluate the community from a youth perspective to help UH Rainbow understand their viewpoint.
   2. Session Newsletter (PDF)
4. Preparation for Fall: May 30th, 2024
   1. Students will share photos from the Photo Voice Project. They will receive information about the upcoming Fall Semester. Students are encouraged to prepare for leadership positions on the council.
   2. Session Newsletter (PDF)

Spring 2024 Recap

During the 2024 semester advisors participated in a Photovoice project which allowed them to identify the top priority needs for the upcoming year for the council.

What is PhotoVoice?

Photovoice is a public health, community-based participatory research, where participants take photo and/or video images to capture their experience within their environments. Photovoice was designed to promote active participation and guidance to help teach and influence policy and decision-makers. This research method enables advisors to share their perspectives, and record and reflect on their experiences and their communities’ conditions.

This project was led by the CCHP team: Tashyana Copeland-Smith & Lasheena Brooks

Top priority Needs Identified for the upcoming academic year:

1. Mental Health awareness/advocacy and resources
2. Need to build Community and involvement within the community
3. Financial Literacy
4. Food Accessibility

These 4 top priority needs will guide efforts and strategies for the Youth Advisory Council Fall 24 - Spring 25 academic year.

What’s next?

Advisors wrapped up the spring 2024 semester with a fun team outing at Top Golf! The council is set to resume in Fall 2024.